Page 38 of Better Together

After visiting with Pete and checking on the church renovation, Alexis sent a quick text to Zeke: I’m heading home. Can we do popcorn night tonight?

She didn’t have to wait long for his response: Yes. Text me if we need anything and I’ll stop by the grocery store. A kiss emoji followed.

Not knowing how to react, she didn’t. She stopped at home and visited Boo, filled his food dish, and played with him before heading to Zeke’s house. She stood in Zeke’s kitchen, working the crank on the old-fashioned stovetop popcorn maker. About once a month, she and Zeke got together to catch up on their favorite show, Counting Cars, with two heaping bowls of popcorn with white cheddar powder sprinkled generously on top. Between the two renovations, working six days a week, and Zeke’s trip to LA, they had a backlog of four episodes to watch.

Zeke came in and set a grocery bag on the island. He pulled out two boxes of Junior Mints and placed them next to the popcorn tubs. “Mmmm, smells good.”

Alexis dumped the popcorn into two large bowls, dividing the contents equally. She set the kettle back on the stove and continued stirring the last few kernels.

Zeke washed his hands at the sink. He turned off the stove, moved the pot off the burner, and turned her around to face him. “How are you feeling?”

“Good as new.”

“So, we’re only catching up on the show?”

Alexis moved in closer. “Well, maybe not only the show.”

“Too bad your hot water heater was replaced.”

“Oh yeah, why’s that?”

“I like when you use my shower.” Zeke stepped closer and placed a tentative kiss on her lips, then wrapped his muscular arms around her. Being in his arms felt like home. She felt brave and skimmed her lips along his neck, planting gentle kisses. When he backed her into the island, the heat in his gaze threatened to melt her on the spot. She wondered if he could read all the inappropriate thoughts running through her head. Their lips came together, tentative at first, and when she whimpered, he deepened the kiss. She didn’t know how she’d ever resisted kissing him before now. How could one kiss be so full of passion?

Zeke’s phone blasted with an incoming call. She recognized the Mission: Impossible ringtone. Luke. The moment ruined. Zeke rested his forehead against hers. “I should get that.” The deep timbre of his voice told her he wasn’t happy about the intrusion.

Breathless and reeling from the toe-curling kiss, she smoothed down her shirt and said, “Yep. Luke may have work for you.”

He picked up his phone and answered. “Hey. What’s up?” He reached for her hand to keep her from walking away. “Thanks, that sounds great. Yep. Let me know. Will do.” He hung up.

“Do you have to go?” Alexis asked. She hoped not. She’d been looking forward to a relaxing night with Zeke ever since he’d worked his magic on her back.

“Nope. Luke wanted to give me an update on a former case.”

“He didn’t have a job for you?”

Zeke lifted her chin to make her look at him. “No new job.”

He traced a finger along her jaw. “I need a shower. Want to join me?” he asked, his voice husky.

Boy, did she ever. She sucked in her bottom lip. “So tempting. But we need to take whatever this is, slow. I’ve got too much riding on these jobs right now, and you’re a distraction.” His eyes held disappointment, so she hurried on. “An ohh-so-tempting distraction.”

Zeke placed a quick kiss on her lips. “I won’t be long.” He winked. “I’ll leave the door open in case you change your mind.”

Omigod, she wanted to change her mind. She couldn’t keep her heart from racing and the butterflies from taking flight when he was around, but she reeled in her feelings and filled two glasses with ice water.

She heard the shower shut off and minutes later, Zeke joined her on the oversized leather sofa. Their thighs touched as he sank into the cushion. She breathed in the scent of his musky body wash and wished she had accepted his invitation. His hair, still slightly damp, curled at the nape of his neck.

He picked up the remote and scrolled through the episodes.

Alexis crossed her wool-socked feet at the ankles on top of the sofa table. Zeke resumed his normal position, mimicking hers. He hadn’t said anything. Just sat down like they were back to being friends. Technically they were friends, but the brief make-out session in the kitchen earlier and the invitation to join him in the shower had her wondering how to classify their new connection. Should she ask? Man, she hated this part of a budding relationship.

Alexis watched Zeke watch Counting Cars. She couldn’t concentrate on the show when all she could think about was the kiss and the invitation she turned down moments ago.

“If you keep staring at me, I’m going to have a hard time controlling myself.” He still held the remote but didn’t look at her.

She giggled, and he wrapped an arm around her and drew her close. She rested her head on his shoulder.

While they watched back-to-back episodes they fell into the comfortable silence of friendship. It didn’t stop her from stealing glances at him. His brow furrowed when he concentrated and after stuffing his mouth full of popcorn, he licked his lips. She hadn’t made a dent in her bowl and hadn’t a clue what was happening on the show. Watching Zeke made her tingle in all the right places.