“Sara? She had to do that for her job and needed someone to go with her. I figured, why not? I should know it. Especially with a niece or nephew coming. That’s the only reason I went. It’s not like we are all that close. I sure the hell wouldn’t call her to go out for a drink or dinner.”
“Why?”
“Because she’s silly and high maintenance and judgmental. I can only take her in small doses.”
“I heard some whispering the other night. What was that about?”
He wanted to see if it had anything to do with him.
“Sara was making comments about people in the room. How they were doing things and what they were wearing. She saidthat you were looking at me as if you wanted to eat me alive when you had your hands on me.”
“She’s perceptive,” he said.
Jocelyn laughed. “Did you see the same look back?”
“It’s the only reason I agreed to come to dinner.”
“Oh, now I’m hurt. Theonlyreason?”
“I found out you’re an excellent cook.”
“Considering there are only five foods you won’t eat and they are on my list too, I’m thinking you’d eat a peanut butter sandwich if I served it.”
“Who doesn’t love peanut butter sandwiches?”
She laughed. “See.”
“I know you fill your clothing out well and aren’t too fancy with it.”
“There is no reason to wear anything other than jeans most of the time at work.”
“I don’t do well with high-maintenance chicks.”
“I don’t do well with being called a chick.”
He laughed. “So noted.”
“Do you want some more?”
His plate was cleaned. He’d been eating while they talked. Most of hers was done.
“I’m good. It was great. Thanks again.”
“You’re welcome.”
She stood up and grabbed her plate; he did the same.
They cleaned up together. He liked she didn’t tell him he didn’t need to. It saved them both the argument that he’d win.
“Do you have dessert?” he asked when the dishwasher was on.
She turned to lean on the counter. “I do. A couple of things.”
He stepped in, closing the space between them, invading her personal bubble with deliberate intent. There was no point inpretending anymore, not with everything they were both feeling simmering just beneath the surface.
She’d already called him out on the way he was looking at her days ago. She was doing the same.
“Can I take the one I want?” he asked, his voice low as his hand brushed her cheek, then slid into her hair. The strands were silky against his knuckles and dangerously soft.
