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ADDISON
“Wow, it smells like heaven in here.”
Chase spins at the sound of my voice and flashes me a grin.He’s elbow deep in soap suds from cleaning some shiny metal contraption, and there’s a big steel pot simmering on the stove beside him. “How’s Olivia?”
“She’s doing great. It was a long call, though. Now I’m starving. What are you making?” I ask, heading over to a barstool at the counter and planting myself down on it.
He dries his hands with a kitchen towel and walks over to me, leaning down and planting a kiss on my forehead. I live for these kisses. There’s something so sweet and pure about a kiss that’s given without any pretenses and just genuine affection.
“Chicken noodle soup,” he says.
I narrow my eyes in humor, a smile growing on my face. A few days ago, I mentioned that I’ve never had homemade chicken noodle soup, and just like with the fajitas, he’s delivering. Chase is good, I have to say. If feeding me is how he shows his affection, I think we’ll continue to get on really freaking well.
“Are you impressed?” he asks, wiggling his eyebrows at me.
“Well, that depends,” I counter back, watching as he reaches into the drawer to pull out a fresh spoon to dip into the pot. “Who knows if it’s even any good.”
“Okay, smartass, come have a taste for yourself.” He blows on the spoon lightly. His eyes are on me as I rise and saunter his way. I tell myself I can’t help the way my growing hips sway with every movement, but I still enjoy his eyes appreciating me as they do.
When I make it over to him, he gives the broth one final blow and raises it to my lips. I sip it with an over-the-top moan, and then giggle at my ridiculousness. I’m so easy to please nowadays, but this is nothing short of delicious.
“Let’s dance,” he offers, tossing the spoon over his shoulder.
He raises his eyebrows in surprise when it clinks in the metal sink, and we both laugh as he wraps one arm around my waist while the other grabs my hand.
“But there’s no music,” I say. I melt against him, resting my head against his shoulder and allowing him to shuffle me around the room.
“Haven’t you watched any Hallmark movie?” he asks. “Dancing without music is supposed to be romantic.”
“I think pancakes are romantic.”
“I’m fresh out of pancakes. How do you feel about homemade noodles?”
“Nothing screams romance like pasta.”
“Are you teasing me?” he asks, pulling back a touch and shooting me a look of offense.
“Of course not!”
He laughs, burying his lips on the crown of my head as his arm around my waist dips lower.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Emily and Willow walk into the room. Emily groans, her hands flying up to cover Willow’s eyes. As an afterthought, she covers her own as well.
“Oh my god. Again, guys?” Emily says. “Seriously, get a room already. There are children in the house!”
Willow giggles, yanking on her mother’s hand to try to see what the fuss is about.
Reluctantly, I pull away from Chase with a laugh.
“You are a cock—” Chase begins, pausing for just a beat before he seems to remember Willow’s presence.“Roach.”
Emily and I both burst into laughter, and when Willow mutters, “Cockroach?” in confusion, we laugh even harder.
Chase sends me a wink and then turns back to the stove. “Addison,” he says over his shoulder, “I hope you don’t have plans after dinner. I thought we could watch a movie.”
I shrug and smile, watching as Emily hands Willow four handled soup bowls from the cabinet before ambling toward the table. Her movements are stiff and jerky, but she doesn’t want any of us helping her in front of Willow.
“Lucky for you, I just had some time clear up in my schedule,” I tease, walking over and grabbing the tea pitcher from the fridge. I fill our glasses as Willow sets the bowls down at each of our places.
