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“I thought it was in my car and had better things to do than grab it.” As if waiting for my apology, her eyebrows raise.
“You know, it’s refreshing you don’t feel the need to hold this like a comfort item. Most people do.” As she blinks down to the phone again, her breathing increases. “Come on, I’m not gonna bite.” I wiggle my wrist and still wonder why she hasn’t snatched it back. When she steps closer than needed, my male brain catches a peek at her cleavage and my dick instantly wonders what it would feel like sliding between it. Or what sounds she makes bent over the counter and her dress bunched around her waist. I swallow, differentiating what my heart needs opposed to what my dick needs.
Delicate fingertips reach out carefully not to touch my skin. “You gonna act on the way you’re staring at me?” She notices my gaze darken and shoots me a mischievous smirk.
“Whatever you’re cooking smells amazing.” I don’t miss a beat and regain composure.
“Yeah, thanks to you, actually.” She gestures toward the kitchen. “Have you eaten?”
“I haven’t.” On cue, my stomach grumbles.
“Stay. I can’t eat this entire meal on my own.” Excitement sparkles through her eyes, awakening part of her spirit we have all been missing.
“Are you sure I’m not intruding on family time?”
“Aunt Quinn and her boyfriend are in the next town over for dinner. It’s the least I could do to thank you for the night at the bar.” Sincerity travels through her voice, and a soft smile brings me back.
There’s my Daisy Girl.
“I guess I can critique your culinary skills.” I smirk, following her into the kitchen.
“It will be ready in five minutes,” she says, walking over to the stove and peering over her shoulder at me. “I hope your taste buds are ready to be awakened.” I don’t miss her flirty tone and let myself play into it a bit.
“I’m sure I’ll be craving for more.” I lean against the counter, slightly crowding her space as she stirs the sauce with a large wooden spoon. “No meat?” Did she actually make it through culinary school as a vegetarian?
“Decomposing flesh isn’t my cup of tea.” She bites the inside of her cheek.
“Well, when you put it that way…” I trail off. “You need a developed taste pallet to work in your field.”
“Just because I taste meat, doesn’t mean I swallow.” Her eyes narrow in a sultry manner, but her mouth tightens to bite back a smirk.
“Punny little one, aren’t you?”
“Do you remember the first time I tried to make this veggie pasta and burned the water before the noodles even went in?” Emery babbles so quickly, smiling brightly, and I nod, waiting for her to continue. “Well, I have completely revamped this recipe, and it’s the dish that earned my first Michelin Star.”
“Look at you shine, Daisy Girl.” God, she’s beautiful as pure joy radiates out of her. My heart feels her pride and excitement. Flexing my hand, I fight the urge to cup her sweet face and kiss the hell out of her as I step closer.
“How hungry are you?” she glances up, peering through her eyelashes.
“Very.” My voice drops, getting caught up in the moment. I need to get a grip on myself.
Her breath hitches. I’m sure it would be the same hitch if I pinned her against a wall and weaved my fingers through her hair to tug it roughly.
“Come on, hold that thought until dessert.” Emery turns around, shutting off the stove and emptying the pasta into the strainer.
I clear my throat and keep quiet while she dishes up dinner. A soft smile rests on Emery’s face as she plates the food. I smile along with her, watching as she puts on the finishing touches and hands the bowl to me.
“This looks incredible. I am so excited to try this,” I praise as we take a seat at the table.
“Dive in.” Emery giggles, warming my heart as she twirls the noodles on her fork.
I pause before I take my first bite. “Thank you for sharing this with me.” I can’t stop my eyes from wandering over her plump lips. Now, she’s unintentionally luring me in, and this is not why I came here.
I take the first bite and the flavours awaken my taste buds. It’s creamy and full of herbs, but there’s a sweetness to the vegetables. Then, there’s a lingering kick of heat and smokiness. It’s everything at once, but is layered to perfection. I savor this bite and try to process my thoughts.
“Good?” Her eyebrows raise with a wide smile.
“By far one of the best meals to hit my tongue. You have come such a long way from where you started.” I shake my head in disbelief. “Holy shit, this is incredible. Did you sear the portobellos?”
