“That’s a new girl in his class who has celiac disease,” Jonas explains. “Raven bought gluten free flour and the other ingredients last week.”
“She forgot to mention it, but that’s still not a problem.” I gesture to Jonas. “Because your Uncle Jonas will put on a cute apron and bake them for you.”
Kaden looks relieved. “You will?”
“I will.” Jonas switches on the nightlight. “Go to sleep, buddy.” He quietly closes the bedroom door after we exit.
“I’ll go do something else until the cupcakes are done and then straighten up the kitchen again.”
“Are you trying to avoid me?” he asks.
“Well…” I decide to be honest. “Yes.”
“Why? Because you think I’m going to throw you down on the floor and do you if we’re alone together?”
“Aren’t you?” I follow him into the kitchen.
“Not this time.” He hands me an apron and lifts an eyebrow.
I wave him off. “I’ll only be in the way.”
“You won’t be.” He ties the apron around my waist, then drapes one around his own.
“I’m clumsy and not really good at this or anything except working on cars.”
“You’re not clumsy.” He takes out a set of cupcake pans. “You’re good at everything you do. I’ve witnessed that.”
“I wasn’t fishing for compliments.”
“I know that. Hand me a bowl.”
I sigh and go get one from a cabinet. “Seriously Jonas. You’ll be sorry if I’m around.”
He turns to face me. “I won’t.”
I don’t know how he can say that with such belief. I toy with the hem of the apron and then tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. He doesn’t have a clue what he’s in for. If something can be screwed up, I’m the right person for the job.
Jonas suddenly strides to me like he’s a man on a deadline. His arms enclose me against his chest in a warm hug.
I’m so surprised that for a few seconds, I stand there silently and absorb his strength. “What are you doing?”
“I felt like you needed a hug.”
I did but can’t admit that. So I joke, “Are you saying you’re clairvoyant now?”
“Yes. I perceive that you want to do naughty things to my body.”
I laugh. “Well, what do you know. You are clairvoyant.”
He laughs and pulls back. “We’ll finish the cupcakes, then I’ll let you have your way with me.”
“That’s awfully kind of you.”
“I know. I’m very kind cowboy.” He steps away and points to the kitchen island. “You add the eggs and vanilla and I’ll mix it up.”
“Look at us getting along without arguing,” I say as I take a carton of eggs from the refrigerator.
“That’s because you know if you’re a good girl, you get to have some of my dick.”
