Page 161 of Worth the Trip

“Make this a learning opportunity?”

“Hershey, I want caffeine. If you wanna make it, make it.”

Her eyes narrowed.

Then she laughed.

“Look at you.”

“Growth.”

“Don’t ruin it.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

We moved around each other in the kitchen without turning breakfast into therapy. She made coffee and rinsed strawberries while I handled the stove. When I caught her stealing a berry from the cutting board, I slapped lightly at her hand.

“You contaminating my prep area.”

“This is fruit, not a surgical procedure.”

“You stole inventory.”

“I’m quality control.”

“Unlicensed.”

She ate another one while maintaining eye contact.

My woman had no respect for authority.

I loved that for her.

I plated breakfast and carried everything to the small table beside the windows. Nolani sat across from me with one bare foot resting against mine. She stole strawberries from my plate despite having her own, then accused me of inequitable distribution when I moved the bowl away from her.

“You gave yourself more.”

“I cooked.”

“That does not justify produce corruption.”

“You had equal access before your criminal activity.”

“You withheld resources.”

I chose the largest strawberry and held it toward her mouth. “Restitution.”

Nolani leaned forward and bit into it.

Her lips brushed my fingers.

I left my hand where it was.

Her eyes met mine.

“Anything else?”

“Plenty.”