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Amber laughed. “Since my work shoes are flat, it’s unlikely I’d trip. As for running”—she glanced around, chewing on her lip right where he wanted to kiss her—“where would I go? Your nearest neighbor is at least a half-mile away. And when did you become so overprotective?”
“I’ve always been this way.” He pushed open the front door, glad he’d left a light on, and led her inside.
“No, you haven’t.” Amber slipped away from him in the foyer. She hung her coat on a nearby hook and automatically slipped her shoes off and strode into the family room.
Gavin grinned. It wasn’t like she hadn’t been here before. He’d had several family parties at his house. He followed her into the family room. He loved the openness of the room with the second floor balustrades framing the open space, leaving high ceilings with wooden beams.
“I’ve always loved your house,” she commented, making her way into the kitchen.
“You never mentioned it.” What else hadn’t she mentioned?
“I haven’t?” She tilted her head to the side and spread her arms wide. “I love this kitchen. Granite countertops, lots of room for prep, and appliances fit for a gourmet chef.”
“So the way to your heart is my kitchen. Nice to know.” He moved to the counter and lifted the lid off the crockpot. The tantalizing scent of beef, gravy, and potatoes filled the air.
Amber’s stomach growled. “Smells so good. It’s been a while since I ate.”
Gavin frowned at her. “Wait until you taste it. There’s a loaf of sourdough bread in the pantry. Would you grab it, please?”
“Sure.” She disappeared from his sight for a moment and was back in a flash.
Having her here made his heart sing. She looked good in his kitchen. So good, he wanted her there all the time, not just for a visit or dinner. The sound of the closing cabinet door brought him back to reality. He turned and noticed Amber had pulled out the cutting board and a platter. With the finesse of an expert, she sliced the bread and arranged the slices on the platter, then retrieved the butter from the fridge.
“Nook or dining room?”
“Nook. It’s already set.” He’d set everything up earlier but kept it to a minimum. He’d thought about adding candles and wine but decided not to. After filling two bowls with stew, he grabbed two beers from the fridge and carried everything to the table on a tray.
She stared at him when he set the beer bottles on the table.
“I have wine, soda, or water if you’d like one of those instead.”
“Beer is fine.”
He snapped the top off her beer and held the chair out for her. Confusion filled Amber’s eyes. Hadn’t he been a gentleman before? Gavin was sure he had, but maybe because it was the two of them, she didn’t expect it.
After twisting the top off his beer, he took a swig, sat, and picked up his spoon. The taste of beer mixed with potatoes and veggies made him groan in satisfaction. His mother’s recipe made the best stew.
Amber laughed, and he glanced at her. “What’s so funny?”
“I’ve never heard you moan over food before.”
He chuckled. “Mom’s beef stew is legendary.”
“I know. She’s made it for me and Ruby a few times.” The spoon disappeared into her mouth.
Gavin grinned. Peter and Ruby started dating five years ago, and the moment his mother heard Ruby and Amber had lost their parents, she’d taken them into the family fold. His grin turned to a soft growl when her tongue darted out to catch the gravy on her lips. Food, focus on the food and not her sexiness. It was difficult, but he applied himself to the task. When they were done, he started to clear the table.
“Let me help.” She stood up.
“No.” The word came out harsher than he intended. “You’re my guest tonight.” He smiled to ease the sting of his harsh words. “Please go sit on the sofa and relax. This will only take a minute.”
“Bossy much?” she muttered.
“You have no idea.” She hadn’t complained when she was in his bed.
Amber gave him a sharp glance before going into the family room and sitting down. Gavin breathed out and quickly cleaned the table and loaded the dishwasher. His time with Amber had already been eye opening. The previous weekend, he’d tied her up for the first time. When he suggested it, she seemed curious and definitely willing to try.
Her responses had left no doubt she’d enjoyed it. Had he found a woman who didn’t mind some bedroom kink?
