Page 22 of Chasing the Dream
He couldn’t recall her drinking beer before, but back then, they’d been underage. Still, they’d been at parties together where alcohol had been available, but he’d never seen her partake. He remembered thinking of her as a “good girl,” a rule-follower, and he wondered if that were true.
“You looked pretty relaxed just now.”
“How could I not be? I’m basking in the sun while someone else is making my dinner. What’s there to be uptight about?”
He smiled. “I set the table inside, but would you rather eat out here?”
“Inside is fine.”
He pulled out her chair at the dining room table, and then they loaded their plates with steak, salad, and slices of crusty bread that he’d picked up from a nearby bakery.
“Everything looks delicious. Thanks for doing all this for me.”
He couldn’t deny that it had primarily been for her. If he’d been home alone, he might have grilled a hot dog, paired it with some potato chips, and called it good. “Dig in.”
He thought he’d cooked the steak to perfection, but he waited for her reaction.
“Mmmm. Ohmigod. I’m in heaven.”
If she reacted that strongly to his cooking, what would she be like in his bed? Where she would absolutely never be! “I’m glad you like it.”
“Like it? It’s phenomenal.”
“Now you’re just boosting my ego.”
“I’m serious. I can’t remember the last time I had a steak this good.”
What about sex? When was the last time you had great sex? “It’s probably the seasoning I used.”
“Well, whatever it is, I want it again.”
I’d gladly give it to you. “If you like this, you might also enjoy my barbecued chicken. I’ll make it for you next time.” Even though there shouldn’t be a next time.
“Sounds good.”
They ate quietly for a while, and he kept sneaking peeks at her. He liked the way she ate, like she was savoring every bite, chewing for a long time before delicately swallowing. He felt a twitch in his shorts. Not now!
“Are you enjoying it too?”
More than you could possibly know. “Mm-hmm.”
“I just wondered because I’m halfway done and you still have a lot on your plate.”
That’s because I was too busy watching you. “Just making sure you’re satisfied first.”
She paused with her fork in mid-air, and then he realized what that had sounded like.
Dirty, filthy mind. Of course, she must have thought it too. They stared at each other for a few seconds, and then she started laughing.
He joined in, and it eased the tension considerably, but it didn’t do much to ease the situation in his shorts.
“I have ice cream for dessert,” he said. Mmm…Morgan a la mode.
“Can we wait a while? I’m stuffed.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll clear the dishes since you cooked.”
