I watch her with a smirk, pushing the carton over.
She dips her chopsticks in and grabs a cube of seasoned tofu drenched in the sticky red sauce.
There’s a brief pause when it touches her tongue. She glances at me, then continues to chew slowly. Her eyes glisten but she holds herself steady, composed. I’m about to offer her water or a cucumber but her show is just too good to end.
Finally, she swallows. “This one’s getting closer.” Her eyes lift to mine. “Still had better.”
I grin. “That why you turning red?”
“No.” Her response is quick. “I’m red because you make me blush with your cowboy charm.”
I laugh. “Wow. You’d rather pretend you got a crush than admit this is too hot for you.”
“It’s nottoohot. It’s just right. Really brings out—” She coughs. “All my senses.”
I pull the carton over, still laughing as I take a bite.
“You’re going to give yourself heartburn. Then who’ll be laughing?”
I touch my chest. “You sure suck the fun out of eatin’, Sunset.” The nickname tumbles out before I can catch myself.
She blinks at me, one brow lifting like she’s not sure if I’m insulting her or flirting. Hell, I’m not even sure myself, but it’s all that comes to mind when I look at her now. Especially with the last bit of it coming in through the skylight above the kitchen, bringing out the natural glow in her hair—all too eagerly. Like it’s trying to fuck with me.
“Well, you don’t like Red. And just a few minutes ago, you said you liked sunsets.”
“I was referring to the colors it brings out.”
“So was I.”
Her cheeks flush pink. “Think I’ll take that water now.”
I tear my eyes off her and fill the glass, then add some noodles to her plate.
“What’s on the agenda tomorrow?” she asks.
Getting you out before Ellie gets here.
I glance at the living room. “I’ve got some early rounds to do in the field. And now that the floor’s polished, we can unwrap the rest of the furniture.”
She nods then points her fingers at me with a mouthful. “I think we should pick up some plants tomorrow too. And, you know, foods kids can eat without getting a stomach ulcer.”
“I don’t feed Ellie spicy food,” I mutter, focusing on the food comment rather than telling her I’m not going to go plant and flower shopping with her. If I wanted any, I could pick them right off my field.
I glance around the space, reluctantly admitting to myself that the house could use some life.
I’m staring at the fire and it’s past midnight again. Eyes shot, brain gone haywire.
That woman sure is a goddamn handful. One minute with her and you’re halfway to losing your mind.
And here I am giving her afucking nickname.
Not Gremlin or Cactus.
ButSunset.
And the way her cheeks heated at it .?.?.
I finally convinced her to sleep in my bedroom again tonight after she refused to mess up Ellie’s bed.
