“Dinner was great,” I said with a sigh. “I should probably go though.”
“You could stay awhile,” he said. “I was just gonna put on a movie.”
I should leave. It had been a long day, and now that I was pleasantly full, I was drowsy. But I couldn’t bring myself to turn down his company, even if it would be the smarter move.
“Okay, sure.”
“Great.” He grabbed the dish towel and dried his hands, then passed it to me. When he did, he inhaled audibly. “Damn, you smell good.”
Goosebumps broke out over my skin. “Uh, yeah, it’s tough to get rid of the smells after hours in the kitchen.”
He drew back with a smile. “Well, better that you bring your work smells home than I do.”
I laughed. “Guess so.”
He led me to the living room and dropped onto the sofa. I eyed the space beside him, then the recliner to the side, torn.
Hank patted the cushion next to him. “Come here. The recliner’s view of the television isn’t as good.”
I joined him on the sofa, keeping a few inches between us as Hank navigated the channels.
“What do you think about50 First Dates?” Hank asked. “Some people hate Adam Sandler. Or maybe you’re not a fan of rom-com?” His cheeks pinked up adorably above his beard. “It’s my guilty pleasure, but we can watch an action movie or something instead.”
Ah, toxic masculinity, there you are.
I nudged his shoulder. “I’m gay, Hank. You don’t need to worry about choosing a manly enough movie.50 First Datesis cute. Put it on.”
“Okay,” he said with a nervous chuckle. “Guess that was silly of me.”
“Nah, just a verystraight guyconcern,” I teased.
“Guilty.”
He started the movie and settled back, shifting around a little, and before I knew it, our hips and thighs were pressed together. Hank extended an arm along the back of the sofa.
I sat tensely, trying not to lean in, until he made a little scoffing noise and tugged me against him.
“Relax, Jamie. I don’t bite.”
“I just didn’t want to…uh…cross any boundaries.”
“Just get comfortable. I’m not worried about it.”
I let myself curl against his side, eyelids growing heavy as Iwatched Drew Barrymore singing and painting, oblivious to her amnesia.
If only I could stay here forever, just like this, I’d be happy. My heart gave a forlorn throb in my chest, and I recognized that I was playing with fire.
It just felt too good to stop.
CHAPTER 17
Hank
Iola arrivedto pick up Ricky just as he was going into doggy time-out. The little terror had driven us all past our last shred of patience.
“Iola!” Sammi attached Ricky’s leash and led him around the counter to his mama. “Right on time. Here’s your little hellion.”
“Aw.” Iola scooped him up in her arms and engaged in disturbing doggy kisses before returning her attention to us. “How naughty was my boy today?”
