“Thank you. That might be the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”
“That’s just sad, G,” he teases.
“Don’t make me regret those words coming from you.”
“I’ll try not to. When it comes to me, I think it’s best if you keep your expectations low. Then you won’t be disappointed.” His laugh is self-deprecating, and I don’t like his habit of insulting himself.
I give a half shrug. “Too late. My expectations are limitless.”
“Bummer for you.” He shifts the box to his other hand, then pulls his keys from his pocket. “I’m gonna get out of here so you can make your bedtime.”
“I keep the same sleep schedule as a ninety year old,” I say, laughing. I grab the folded sweatshirt from the table and drape it over his shoulder. “Don’t forget this. You’re my free advertisement.”
He smiles. “And happy to be so. Are you sure you don’t need me to do anything before I go?”
“Yep. All that’s left is to wipe down the counter and wash the pan. I’ll be out of here in five minutes flat.” I follow him to the door.
He hesitates, and instead of turning the knob, he spins to face me. “Thank you for all your help tonight. I really appreciate it. I appreciateyou.”
“You don’t need to thank me. I hope the bars are a big hit.”
“Oh, trust me, they will be. I’ll be in touch to book our next baking sesh.”
I narrow my eyes. “You have an innate talent for making things sound sketchy.”
“Hey, that sounds like a ‘you’problem. I can’t help how you interpret my innocent words.”
I roll my eyes. “Riiight.”
He chuckles and places his hand on my upper arm, giving a gentle squeeze. “I hope you sleep well and have sweet dreams.”
“Thanks. I hope so too.”
He turns and opens the door. “See you later, G.”
“Good night.”
I pull the door closed, shutting out the chilly night air. My gaze stays on Jordan’s tall, muscular frame until he reaches his truck and then I return to the kitchen to clean up. Now that he’s gone, it’s eerily quiet, and I already miss his company.
Uh-oh.I need to be careful, or before I know it, I’ll be falling for Jordan. Really falling for him. As if the longtime crush I’ve had on him isn’t bad enough.
Maybe my feelings seem intensified because we’ve spent two nights in each other’s company this week. If that’s the reason, the problem should correct itself since I won’t see him again anytime soon. Out of sight, out of mind. If only it were that easy.
CHAPTER 6
JORDAN
I’m sitting on my back deck, nursing a beer, when I notice Gramps walking through Travis’ back yard toward mine. A large portion of the street I live on is occupied by Thorne family members. Gramps lives with my parents, and my three brothers all have houses here too. All our yards are adjoining and not fenced in. It’s not unusual to see one of my family members cutting through to another’s house.
“Hey, Gramps,” I call out as he approaches.
He climbs the stairs and then settles into the Adirondack chair next to mine. “How’s it going?”
“I’ve got no complaints. How about you?”
He shrugs. “I’m still breathing.”
“Good thing. Someone’s gotta keep my mom and dad in line.”
