Page 32 of Icing on Top

Once the tins were in the oven, Jeremiah gave Charlie’s shoulder a light tap.

“Why don’t you get your pjs and I’ll start your shower? Get this sugar out of your hair.” He held his hand out to help her down from the stool.

She didn’t need to be told twice, scurrying off to her room and most likely leaving a trail of sugar behind her. Jeremiah followed, and I took the opportunity to clean up what I could.

I didn’t see a broom nearby and wasn’t about to snoop, so I cleaned the sugar off the countertops first, gathering it into small piles I could scoop into my hand to dump in the trash. Then I wiped the counters down. I was so focused on my task that I didn’t hear Jeremiah pad back into the kitchen, but I felt his presence behind me, like static electricity sparking between us. Then he placed his hand ever so lightly on my shoulder, and a zap shot down my spine.

“Hope this works.”

Did he mean for his voice to come out so low and rumbly? Either way it was not helpful. And the wet hair dripping onto the shoulders of his clean shirt? Not fair at all.

I looked at the proffered shirt, a Seattle Cascades tee he’d clearly had for a while, which meant it was that kind of soft that only comes from a garment being properly worn in. God, this man was dangerous.

“You’re asking a Denver girlie to wear a Seattle shirt?” My gaze traveled upwards to meet his own as I let my jaw drop slightly. “Oh no. Please tell me you aren’t one of those hockey guys that likes when a girl wears his jersey.”

He rolled his eyes. “It’s not a jersey.”

I couldn’t hide my devilish grin. He so totally was.

Deciding he’d been chirped enough tonight, I gave in and took the shirt from him, subconsciously rubbing the fabric between my fingers. “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

He gave a small nod, his eyes softer now as they locked on mine. The air crackled between us once again, but then Jeremiah took a step back and ducked his head, his loose waves flopping over his forehead. It still didn’t hide the slight flush in his cheeks, though. Good to know I wasn’t the only one feeling something just then.

“I-um…” He jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “I’m gonna go check on Charlie really quick. Make sure she gets the sugar out. Hallway bathroom is the first door on the left.”

“Got it.”

His gaze lingered for an extra second or two before he turned for the hallway. I threw away the paper towel I’d been using and then followed his instructions, finding the bathroom easily enough.

I tried to be as careful as possible when removing my shirt so I didn’t cover the bathroom floor in sugar as well, folding it up in a way that hopefully kept the powder trapped until I got home.

Jeremiah’s shirt hung off my shoulders and reached mid-thigh, revealing just how much bigger he was than me. I was right about it being unbelievably soft from years of wear. And Jeremiah’s scent lingering on the fabric? Let’s just say, I was glad I was alone with no witnesses as I indulged myself in a sniff of it. Yup. Bergamot with a touch of something I couldn't quite place. Something specifically Jeremiah.

Chapter 14

Jeremiah

Nothing could have prepared me for seeing Zoe in my old t-shirt. My heart pounded against my rib cage as if trying to escape. The shirt nearly swallowed her up whole, but somehow that just made it even more attractive.

I’d utterly failed at keeping my interactions with Zoe minimal tonight. There was just something about her that sucked me right in and put me at ease. It was hard not to laugh and have a good time with her. Add Charlie into the mix, and I didn’t stand a chance.

“Looking good?”

I just about swallowed my tongue. Had I been that obvious in my staring? But then the heat from the open oven door reminded me that I had been checking on the cupcakes before she’d walked into the kitchen.

“I’m not an expert, so maybe it’s better if you check,” I managed to get out.

She rounded the island, then bent down to join me. My body went rigid when her shoulder brushed mine. I really didn’t trust myself with her so close and wearing my clothes. She’d asked earlier if I was a guy who liked when a girl wore my jersey, and I totally was. I used to adore seeing Sadie walking around the house in my clothes. Apparently that wasn’t just a Sadie thing.

“I’d say another minute or so and then we’ll be good.” Zoe stood upright and closed the oven. “You know, besides the little icing debacle, you did really well.”

I laughed and shook my head. “Oh, you are such a bad liar.”

Zoe laughed, too. “I’m not lying,” she argued, leaning her hip against the island and crossing her arms over her chest.

I rested my hand on the counter, obnoxiously aware of how close it was to her and the mere foot of distance between us. Even if I had several inches on her, she wasn’t intimidated, her eyes just daring me to disagree again.

I wasn’t one to back down.