Page 97 of Miss Understanding

Once we walked into the house and made our way to the kitchen, I faltered in my step. On the counter were several wrapped gifts with big bows. I turned toward Liam. “How? When?”

We’d left together for Orange County from his place. How had he managed this setup?

“When I said I forgot my wallet, I went back inside and took this all out of the hall closet. I know your birthday isn’t until tomorrow, but I figured between work and school, you might want to open gifts tonight.”

I put my arms around him, hugging him close. He’d not only listened to me last month when I’d told him I wanted more, but he was also putting in a continued effort to give me more. “Thank you.”

He leaned back to cup my face. “You haven’t opened the gifts yet.”

“Doesn’t matter. I just appreciate you coming with me for dinner and for thinking of me.”

“There aren’t a lot of times I’m not thinking of you.”

Chapter Forty-Six

Liam

There was something both touching and sexy as hell about Kendall cooking in my kitchen on a Wednesday night when I arrived home from work. I’d given her a key since she had no class tonight. She’d come over because we wouldn’t have a chance to spend next weekend together since I’d be out of town. I found myself silently watching her go through the motions, not wanting her to know I was here yet.

It reminded me of the first time I’d observed her in the rental house in Virginia. You could see how much she loved to cook in every graceful movement she made. I especially loved how she was using the new pots and pans I’d given her last weekend for her birthday.

I’d enjoyed meeting her family on Sunday. However, I hadn’t expected to hear that she’d kept a list about me and the ways, as her boss, I should suffer. Then again, I don’t know why I was surprised. I’d been a prick. This wasn’t news. But it was a reminder how far we’d come from the days we’d avoided one another in the office.

Now, with only a few months left of classes, I knew how anxious Kendall was to start on her next plan. I had been successful thus far in not meddling but rather allowing her to figure it out on her own. Honestly, as much as I’d miss her every day in the office, I’d also love to see her pursuing her dreams.

“I’m a big fan of finding you in my T-shirt upon coming home, but I thought we had a deal about you wearing nothing but an apron.”

She turned, smiling at me. Damn. I’d never get tired of the way she lit up when she saw me. Like I was the best part of her day. God knew she was always the best part of mine. I’d find myself literally counting the minutes until she’d come into my office each morning to say good morning. And on Friday nights, I’d count the hours until she got off work and drove down to my place.

“Mm, but I don’t have an apron.”

I didn’t hesitate to go over and put my arms around her from the back, loving the feel and smell of her. “I’m buying you one the next chance I get.”

I nuzzled her neck, delighting in the fact we had all night together. As much as I’d worried about balancing a relationship with my work, it turned out I didn’t get as much time with her as I wanted. Between our busy schedules and my travel, it only left me wanting more.

“I’ll miss you this weekend,” she said.

It was as if she’d read my mind. “I’ll miss you, too. I wish I could’ve talked my mom into doing the reading of my father’s will via video call instead of in person.” I absolutely dreaded having to go home for it, but I wouldn’t say no to my mother.

Kendall turned in my arms, laying a hand on the side of my face. “I could maybe take a couple days off and go with you if you’d like.”

Her offer meant more to me than I’d ever admit. However, I knew she couldn’t afford to miss another weekend of work at the club. “It’s a quick trip, but I appreciate you offering.”

I noticed her ingredients on the counter. “Did you go shopping?”

“I did. I wanted to make lasagna.”

She turned back around to start layering her pan with sauce and noodles. I wasn’t sure where she got her energy, between working two jobs and going to school. Yet here she was, wanting to cook a gourmet meal. I tried not to groan when I saw there were two pans. I’d gladly hit the gym harder, so I could enjoy her amazing cooking, but I could only eat so much pasta. I also didn’t want to hurt her feelings. “You’re making a lot, huh?”

“Don’t worry. The second one is for your neighbor, Lucas, for taking the time to come over and check on me last month when I was sick. I promised him I’d make him something, but he’s been out of town the last few weeks. So I thought I’d drop it off tonight.”

It was sweet. It also made me insanely jealous.

She arched a brow. “You’re okay with that, right?”

“Yeah. It’s a thoughtful gesture.”

“Then, why the strange expression on your face?”