Baby Battalion

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Even if she disregarded his physical scars, Tess would have guessed that Nolan had suffered a lot. Sure, he was tough and more masculine than any man had a right to be. But there was also an aura of sadness and abandonment.

She asked, “Are you staying at the Pierpont House with Governor Lockhart’s entourage?”

“I’m in a hotel near the Smithsonian.”

Which probably meant he’d be alone tonight. Tess was struck by an impulse. I want to ask him to come over for dinner.

That idea was completely out of character. She seldom went on dates, and she never ever made the first move. Not that she thought there was anything improper about a woman asking a man out. It just never occurred to her.

Being a single mom and running a business took up all her energy. Her days were packed full from the moment she got out of bed until she collapsed at the end of the day. She didn’t have time.

Tess inhaled a breath and looked out the window at cloudy skies. Time wasn’t the issue, not really. She used to throw together last-minute dinner parties at the drop of a hat. When she and Joe first moved into their house, he was always bringing home other marines on leave with nowhere else to go. They’d done a lot of entertaining.

Her life was different now. Less spontaneous. More responsible. Oh my God, that was pathetic. She was hiding from a social life and turning into a hermit. She might as well hang out a “Closed” sign. I’m going to ask him. The worst that could happen was he’d say no.

She screwed up her courage. “If you’re not doing anything else tonight, I’d like for you to come to my house for dinner. Nothing fancy, but I’m a pretty good cook.”

“I’d be delighted,” he said. “I’ll bring wine.”

She was so happy that she nearly clapped her hands. Nolan was only one person, but this would be a party. Unlike all the events she planned for other people, this was her party. She’d be the guest of honor. Actually, he was the guest. But she intended to enjoy every minute.