“I can’t let you do that.”
“Sounds like your parents didn’t raise no fool, so take the offer and shut up.”
I throw back my head in a hearty laugh. “You’re right; they didn’t. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“At least let me feed you.”
“A Slurpee, beer, and now you want to feed me too.”
“Sure. And fortunately for you, it’s not my cooking. My mom’s potato salad is to die for, and my dad’s ribs.” I pinch my fingers to my lips for a chef’s kiss. “His BBQ ribs will literally bring you to tears.”
“Sounds great, but I should really get this finished.”
“It’s just a meal, Jasper, to say thanks. Finish up, and then we’ll eat.”
“It does smell good.” He sniffs the air as if chasing a beckoning scent.
“You won’t regret it. Food’s big in our family.”
“Sounds like you’re tight.”
“Very. I love them to death. That’s mostly why I changed my mind on security.”
He gives me a curious look.
“I didn’t tell my parents about the incidents yet because I knew they would freak out and either insist I move back home or show up here with their suitcases.” I wince, picturing it. “I thought if I had you outfit the place, that would ease their minds when I tell them.”
“Glad I could keep your current living arrangement intact.”
“Definitely worth sharing my ribs for.”
He smiles again.
“You keep doing that, Jasper, and I might just fall in love with you.”
His smile wipes clean away, and something akin to horror crosses his face.
“Now, who’s flattering themselves? It was a joke.”
“Of course.” The severe tension on his face slowly recedes until his features relax again.
“Let me know when you’re done,” I say, and remove the potato salad from the fridge since it’s best served closer to room temperature.
While Stiles completes the installation, I set the table, feeling a buzz of excitement at sharing a meal with him.
“All right if I use your bathroom?”
“Sure. There are fresh towels under the sink.”
When he returns, cleaned up, I invite him over to the kitchen table that comfortably seats four.
“This looks delicious.”
“Can you handle some heat?” I ask as he takes a chair after me.
“Damn straight.”
