“Judy’s been cooking all afternoon.Made enough food to feed an army.”
Amelia hesitates, and I can see the conflict playing across her face.“I don’t know, Maddox.It’s been a long day...”
“All the more reason not to cook tonight.”I take another step closer.“The kid had a blast today.Let him end on a high note with a good meal.He’s already a big fan of Judy’s cornbread.”
“I’m exhausted,” she sighs, running a hand through her hair.“The market was packed, and I was on my feet for hours.”
“Perfect.Sit on my porch, drink some sweet tea, and let someone else worry about feeding you and your boy tonight.”
Let me take care of you.
Her lips quirk up slightly.“You’re persistent.”
“One of my better qualities.”
She shakes her head.“Thank you for the offer, but we should really get home.”
I want to press her, but I know pushing too hard will only make her retreat faster.
“Rain check, then.”
“Maybe.”She glances toward the house.“I should get Dylan.”
“He’s grabbing his stuff.”I step back, giving her space.
She turns toward her car, then pauses.“Oh, I almost forgot.”
She reaches into the back seat and pulls out a brown paper bag, then extends it toward me.Inside is a rustic loaf of bread.
“It’s the jalapeno cheddar sourdough that Dylan offered you the other night,” she explains, a small smile playing at her lips.“Don’t say I never gave you anything.”
A laugh bubbles up from my chest.“You got me my own load of bread.”
She rolls her eyes dramatically.“Don’t read too much into it.”
Before I can talk myself out of it, I close the distance between us, one hand cupping the back of her neck as I pull her into a kiss.It’s not gentle or tentative.It’s hungry and demanding, my tongue sliding against hers as I back her up against the car.
For a few seconds, she kisses me back just as greedily, her fingers clutching my shirt.Then, just as suddenly, she pushes against my chest, breaking away.
“Maddox,” she hisses, her eyes darting past me.“Dylan is right there.”
I glance over my shoulder to see Dylan standing on the porch, backpack slung over one shoulder, watching us with an amused expression.
“Dylan approves,” I tell her, turning back to meet her flustered gaze.“You’re the only one that needs to get on board.”
Her cheeks flush even deeper, but she doesn’t argue.That’s progress.
“We’re leaving,” she says firmly, though there’s a tremor in her voice that betrays her.“Thank you for today.”
“Anytime,” I respond, still close enough to feel her breath against my lips.“I mean that.”
Any time at all.
ChapterNineteen
Amelia
Maddox: I forgot to send this the other day.
