“I should probably start dinner.” She starts to push to her feet.
“You don’t have to,” I say quickly. “I’ll order pizza.”
Jemmy cheers. Presley’s eyes light up.
“I don’t mind cooking,” Rowan states.
“I appreciate that, but it’s been a…trying day. You should take some time to relax.”
“If you’re sure.”
“I’m sure.”
“Oh. Okay.”
She looks back at Jemmy and Presley, who both wear frowns.
“It’s okay, you two. I’ll be back tomorrow morning. This is your family time.”
She tousles Jemmy’s hair, and he giggles beforereturning his attention to his blocks. Then she gives Presley a hug, promising to cook together tomorrow night before pulling herself to her full height.
She heads to the foyer to grab her suitcase, but I’m there in a heartbeat.
“I’ll carry that for you.”
“It’s okay. I’ve got it. See you tomorrow.” She continues toward the hallway leading to the in-law suite.
“Rowan,” I call out, her name leaving my mouth before I can stop it.
She pauses, glancing over her shoulder at me.
I have no idea what I even want to say. It’s almost like some other force took over, forcing me to stop her.
Maybe because deep down, I don’t want her to leave yet.
“Do you… Do you want to join us?”
She doesn’t say anything right away. Just stares at me.
I can’t remember the last time I was this on edge around a member of the opposite sex. It was probably when I asked out Cora. But even back then, I didn’t feel this unsettled.
“It’s okay if you don’t want to,” I add quickly, a bout of nerves overtaking me. “I just thought?—”
“Do you mind if I have pizza with you guys?” Rowan asks, directing her question at Jemmy and Presley.
Not surprisingly, both their faces light up with enthusiasm.
“I’d like that,” she says, returning her gaze to mine. “Just give me a minute to unpack.”
“I’ll order the pizza. Do you have any preference?”
“I’m not picky. Whatever you like is fine with me.”
“Okay.”
As she walks away, I have to force myself to look somewhere other than her ass.
But I fail miserably.
