Page 154 of Small Town, Big Storm

And she’s right, especially when paired with Storm’s yummy garlic bread.

“I didn’t have time for dessert,” he says, winding an arm around my middle and drawing me back against his chest as we do the dishes.“But I’m thinking you had that earlier in the form of double chocolate chip cookies.”

“Mysingledouble chocolate chip cookie was simply a snack, not dessert,” I tell him haughtily.

He grins, nips the top of my ear.“MaybeI’llhave dessert later.”

“I hope you do.”

He presses his hips forward and I shiver when I feel the hard length of him.

“Dad!”

I chuckle.

He groans.

But exhales and kisses the side of my neck before going off to play a round of post-dinner UNO with Holly.

I finish the dishes, kiss them both, and leave them to their nighttime routine of games, hockey (replays for the moment that Storm wants to study), bath time, and books while I give Cassie a break and then we both bustle our way through the rush.

Time flies and gossip sails through the air.

Then Storm shows up with the best thing ever—homemade double chocolate chip cookies, still warm from the oven.

“They’re not Molly’s,” he says.“But they’re pretty good.”

God, I love this man.

“They’re notpretty good,” I tell him.“They’re incredible.”

He just flashes me a smile.“I need to go clean up, but I’ll be down in a bit to help with last call.”

“You don’t have to?—”

A long, hot kiss that sends catcalls our way.

Then he taps my nose.

“I know.”Another tap.“But I want to.”

I see Paige leaving as he heads upstairs and think of her words from earlier.

Then I think about dinner and dessert and a future I’m not willing to let go.

And definitely not because some bully is spouting nonsense.

Maybe I should sic The Enforcer on her.

Clover could take her down for sure.

Or maybe I’ll ignore her toxic bullshit and live the life that makes me happy.

Yeah, I think I’ll dothatone.

Only…of course it’s never that easy.

Forty-One