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“You’ve proven yourself worthy in the kitchen.” She tapped her finger on her chin. “What else…”
“I can prove myself even more worthy in just an apron in the kitchen,” he said with a grin.
She lightly punched his thigh. “Be serious.”
“I am.” He tried for his most earnest look. “I’ll show you right now if you’d like.”
“I know.” She leaned forward, her palms braced on her knees. “You can clean the bathrooms. All three of them. In only an apron.”
Ace snorted. “The only part of that scenario that sounds fun is the ‘only in an apron’ part. With your help, of course.”
She settled back on the couch. “So much for my captive idea.”
“Really, you can tie me up.” He held his arms out, wrists together as if he was bound. “I’m all yours.”
Charlee punched him in the shoulder this time, not so lightly. “Any punishment you’d enjoy isnota punishment. Likewantingto lose a bet.” She leaned back on the couch. “Ok, let’s put our heads together.”
He leaned his head against hers. “Ready.”
She raised her hand and started listing off ideas on her fingers. “Make homemade taffy, play video games, or make jewelry. It’s a hobby of mine. I have lots of beads and stuff, and we can make some together.”
“We could make a fort and play video games,” he said with a teasing grin. “Lots of pillows and blankets. It’ll be fun.”
“Yes!” Charlee looked at him, her eyes sparkling. “You break out the video games.” She pointed to a section of the entertainment center with a tall pair of oak doors. “I’ll grab some blankets and a bunch of pillows.” She grinned. “Be right back.”
CHAPTER9
Ace had been teasing about the pillow fort, but he had to admit it did sound fun doing something so silly with Charlee.
He found and brought out the game system and a few multi-player games. She came back, her arms so full of pillows and blankets that she left a trail of smaller pillows behind her. She tossed everything in the middle of the floor, scooped up what she’d dropped, and added them to the pile.
Ace dragged dining room chairs into the room while Charlee retrieved a few more blankets and made the mound even bigger.
They laughed and teased each other as they started covering the chairs, stretching the blankets over furniture and creating a cave. Next came the pillows, which they arranged beneath their fort.
“Ready?” Charlee’s eyes sparkled.
He couldn’t help a broad smile. “Let’s do it.”
She crawled beneath the blanket with the most room and settled herself on her belly, in front of the game system. He followed and arranged himself next to her. Their arms brushed as they picked up their controllers.
“What game do you want to play first?” she asked.
He reached for one and inserted it into the game console. “Mario Kart.”
“Oooh, I’m good at this one.” She wiggled as she settled into play. “I’m gonna kick your butt.”
“You wish.” Ace chuckled. “I play it with my nephew and nieces, so I’d bet my experience trumps yours. They’re damned good at it.”
“Doesn’t meanyouare.” Charlee gave him a wicked grin. “Let’s go.”
“Wait.” He held up his finger. “Bet.”
She shook her head with clear amusement in her smile. “Does everything revolve around bets?”
“With you it does,” he said. “It seems to be the only way I can get a promise for a boy-girl day with you.”
She laughed. “You’ll be in the kitchen in just your boxer briefs and my frilly apron.”
