Page 215 of Sweet Nightmare

That’s all I need.

Just one.

And I swear to God, if she gives it to me, I’m completely fucked.

Once we’re both seated, I hand her a pair of chopsticks.

That’s when our fingers brush.

And fuck.

It’s like someone’s hooked a live wire straight to my chest.

I freeze and so does she.

It lasts barely a second, but neither of us moves. Her eyes lift to mine, and I find myself completely fucking lost in them.

Did she feel that, too?

Then a faint blush creeps across up her neck.

She felt it.

My heart gives another ridiculous thump as she slowly withdraws her hand.

“Thank you.”

I clear my throat.

“You’re welcome.”

She looks down at her bowl, and I watch as she studies the food with the same serious concentration she probably gives everything else in her life.

Then she takes a bite while I hold my breath.

I watch in silence as she chews, swallows and then looks at me.

“This is delicious.”

I bite the inside of my cheek to keep the stupid smile off my face.

“You sound surprised.”

She lifts another bite to her mouth.

“I am.” Her glossy lips curve into the tiniest smile.“I’m complimenting your cooking. Take it.”

God help me, I’d cook for this woman every damn night just to see that gorgeous smile.

A comfortable silence falls between us.

Artemis reaches for the same side dish she’s already eaten twice, ignoring everything else on the table. Another bite. Then another.

I hide my smile.

She doesn’t even realize she’s doing it.

I’ve started noticing little things about her. The way she studies something before deciding she likes it. The way she counts without thinking, straightens anything out of place, and sometimes pauses over unfamiliar words, giving them an extra second before moving on.