“Says the accused.” I stride toward him with my fingers curled like talons, feigning an attack of sorts. “Give me your cuffs. I’ll bring you in myself. Wait until the chief hears how I collared a dirty cop.”
Once I’m close enough to touch, he puts his palms out to stop me from whatever he thinks I’m planning to do. Little does he know, I don’t have a plan. I was probably going to tickle him. No doubt that’s what adults do after a funeral and a long day of hosting family members who came to offer condolences.
Continuing with myplan-free planto make Reed smile, I press my palms against his and shove him infinitesimally. Still no clue what I’m doing, but every random thing I do or say seems to make him happier. That’s all the encouragement I need.
After glancing at our hands, he bends his wrists, curves his fingers over mine, and tugs me toward him. “I’m not in the mood to play patty cake.”
I gasp, then force my mouth to close so I don’t look like a guppy. “Wh-wha-what about a game of slaps?”
Smooth. I’msosmooth. No wonder I’m twenty-six years old and still a virgin.
In a seductive tone I’ve never heard him use, he rasps, “Not interested in playing games, Ms. Kent.”
Incapable of shutting up, I blurt out, “Whatareyou interested in?”
He briefly flicks his gaze to my lips and whispers, “Something sweet.”
“There are cookies left over,” I simper between shallow breaths.
Why is it suddenly hard to breathe? Who’s stealing all the oxygen in here?
The corner of his mouth curves into a diabolically sexy grin. “A cookie sounds delicious. That’sexactlywhat I’m craving.”
Was that an innuendo, or am I having a stroke? It’s entirely possible, considering all the blood in my body is in my face and clit. None left for the brain or other organs.
He never let go of my hands. His mouth hovers an inch from mine for the longest time, further implying that he wants to kiss me. Or he’s about to kiss me, maybe?
That can’t be right. Can it?
I mean, look at him. He’s...?well, he’s Reed. Tall, hot, built, successful, well-dressed, intelligent, with chiseled features and dirty dimples. As for me? I’m just... a disappointment physically.
The idea of the two of us together is preposterous.
Imagine if I tried to kiss him right now. He’d probably laugh right in my face, pointing at me like the kids in school did that one time I tooted in the lunch line. That’s not how I want to cheer him up. I prefer my old faithful nonsense approach.
Trying to get some space to spare myself from shame, I flex my hands to free them from his tender hold.
Avoiding his eyes, I take a few steps in reverse. Stopping suddenly, I cut a glare over my shoulder at the chair that wronged me earlier to ensure my escape is obstacle-free. Looks like I stopped just in time. One more step and I’d have knocked it over. That would’ve been nearly as embarrassing as if I tilted my head to encourage Reed to claim my lips and he finally stopped whatever prank he’s pulling.
Because it has to be a joke, right?
Reed aggressively spears his fingers through his hair and presses off the counter. Face going lax, he tosses a dish towel at me. “Here. I’ll wash. You dry. Deal?”
“Washing by hand? What decade is this?”
“Dishwasher is broken again.”
I feign an annoyed groan. “Fine. We can be peasants from the Dark Ages.”
His grin returns, making my heart soar.
After my initial nervousness subsides, we chat casually about nothing in particular. I lose track of time while we cleantogether, our vibe returning to normal. I’m curious about what was happening with his mom, but it’s not my place. I let him guide the conversation to his comfort level. Whatever he wants to tell me or not is his prerogative.
Kenzie pops into the kitchen while I’m drying the last plate. “Oh, there you are, Lila. I was looking for you.” She saunters over, her gaze dancing between her brother and me. “Figures you’d be helping clean. Should’ve started my search here.”
“Are you ready to leave?” I ask her, wiping my hands on a towel.
As much as I’d love to keep helping Reed—yes, I’ll even happily clean if it means spending time with him—I’ll leave now if she’s ready. I’m here to support her. Not to indulge in my childish fantasies. I was here for Reed when he seemed to need me, and now I can return my focus to Kenzie.
