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For once in a long time, I choose the course that makes me happy.
Letting the newfound freedom take full control, I press my lips against her neck. “Delicious.”
“Are you talking about the cookies? Or me?” Paige’s voice squeaks out in a way that has me smiling against her silky skin.
Instead of answering, I trail open-mouthed kisses down to her shoulder as I spread my hands wide across her soft stomach, pulling her body fully into mine.
“Dash—” she gasps out my name.
I growl happily and bite the strap of her tank top, wishing I could tear through the fabric and watch it slide down to reveal all the treasures contained underneath.
The wooden spoon clatters into the heavy-bottomed pot a moment before Paige twists in my embrace. Facing each other, the heat between us sears hotter, and I swoop down, intent on her cushiony lips.
At the last moment she turns her head, and I end up with her cheek.
“If your sexy face and lustful kisses keep distracting me, I’m going to have to ban you from the kitchen until dinner is done.” Even in the chastisement, I can hear the smile in her voice.
“Sorry, Ms. Herbert. I’ll behave.” I make sure to pinch her butt as my arms fall away.
Paige gasps and swats my stomach before turning back to her ingredients. “Talk to me. I want to know about all the dogs you work with.”
“All the dogs? That’s a lot.”
She grins over her shoulder. “We have time.”
We do have time. Maybe even all night if things go my way.
I regale her with stories of rescued animals and the different characters that come in to adopt them. Each one has a happy ending because I can’t handle the idea of breaking Paige’s heart with depressing situations.
Working in a dog shelter, I’ve had to learn how to compartmentalize the good and the bad.
She shouldn’t have to deal with that kind of shit.
At one point, after Paige has added all her ingredients to the pot and is simply stirring the mixture, Cole wanders into the kitchen. I hold still as he leans around her to sniff the concoction. His expression remains shuttered, not displaying an ounce of approval. Or attraction.
I don’t know what I would do if the two of them started flirting again.
“I’m going to need another half hour, but you should have a cookie.” Paige glances over just in time to catch me shoving another sugary wonder in my mouth. “That is, if Dash hasn’t finished them off.” She doesn’t seem put out by the thought.
And anyway, there’s still plenty left. I’ve only eaten a few.
Maybe half.
My roommate picks one out, examining it closely, while Paige watches him covertly out of the corner of her eye. Clearly, she wants to see his response to her baking.
I vow that if Cole says one shitty thing, I’m going to smother him in his sleep.
Without warning, he pops the entire cookie into his mouth. After less than five seconds of chewing, he grabs two handfuls and gifts Paige with a nod before retreating from the kitchen.
I’m on the verge of apologizing for his rude behavior when I notice her beaming grin.
“He likes them.” Her simple statement brims with satisfaction.
Again, that sick dark feeling churns in my chest.What exactly is Paige’s fascination with my roommate?
Tired of letting my fear of her answer stop me, I try broaching the topic as I brace myself for the sting of her words.
“So, you like Cole?” The strain in my voice doesn’t throw her off in the slightest.
