Serena and I jump away from each other like teenagers whose parents have just turned on the lights.
“Hey there. How’re you, man?” I walk over to shake his hand and tell him about the taste test.
The entire time he and I are talking, my eyes stay glued to Serena’s and hers to mine. My eyes are telling her that we aren’t finished. With a wink and smirk, she walks out of the kitchen and leaves behind a craving for more.
11
SERENA
Istand in my living room, staring at my phone and wondering if I’m about to make a monumental mistake. It’s been a week since we almost kissed in the kitchen, and each day that I’ve seen him since has been laced with more sexual tension.
I’ve really enjoyed getting to know him outside of the pecan side of things. He’s funny, and intelligent, and has a huge heart that is full of love for his daughters. They are the reason why he is so determined to make this new business venture a success. As if he wasn’t already hot enough, that elevated him to another level.
My feet take me back and forth as I practically wear a hole in the tile.
Me: Hi Burke. Are you free tonight? I was hoping I could talk with you about some business stuff.
I continue to walk back and forth, nervously cracking my knuckles and chewing on my cheek. Two minutes tick by, then five, then ten and he still hasn’t replied.Who do I know thatcan hack his phone real quick and erase that text?Actually, can someone come erase his memory instead? That would be better.
While I’m contemplating moving to a desolate mountain top, my phone dings with an incoming text.
Burke: Hello Ms. Leòn. The only plans I have for tonight is eating a bowl of cereal for dinner in my pajamas. But I guess I can rearrange some things.
I gulp loudly thinking of Burke in lounge pants and nothing else. Does he have chest hair? Tattoos? Are his abs ripped, or does he have a soft dad-bod? Honestly, I wouldn’t matter. He’s reached a level of silver fox hotness that outweighs anything else.
Me: Please don’t change your plans on account of me. That sounds like a pretty wild night.
Burke: Oh trust me, Ms. León. You are worth changing plans for. Send me the details and I’ll be wherever you want, whenever.
I fan myself off and blow out a puff of air. Having Burke Steele wherever, whenever I want is quite the fantasy. Maybe one that will come true. But before I let myself get too far ahead in thinking about Burke laying in a tub of peach ice cream where I lick him clean and go in search of his pecans, I respond.
Me: My place? Around six? I’ll cook.
Burke: I won’t say no to a pretty lady cooking for me. I’ll be there. What can I bring?
Me: Got any ice cream or cranberry pecan bars?
Burke: I got you covered. See you a little later.
I finally sigh with relief. The hard part is over. I asked and now I just need to figure out what I’m going to make, go to the grocery store, get myself ready, and have my place looking perfect before he gets here. It’s okay because I have…
“Shit!” I look at the time on my phone and see that it’s already one p.m.
Time to get cracking.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve had enchiladas that good. Thank you, Serena.” Burke stands up and grabs his plate before taking mine.
“Oh I got it,” I tell him but he gives me a look that only a father can.
“You so graciously cooked for me. The least I can do is help clean up.” I open my mouth with a reply but he shuts me down.“I don’t want to hear anything about me being your guest. I think we’re beyond host and guest.”
I smile and concede, letting him take the plates. My eyes follow his steps, trailing up his body and stopping to admire the way his jeans hug his ass. I scoop up the dish with the remaining enchiladas and join him in the kitchen.
“Why don’t I pack these for you to take home. You can share them with the girls,” I tell him and he throws me a look over his shoulder. “Or not share and keep them for yourself.”
Setting the dish down, I bend over a cabinet to grab some Tupperware and when I right myself, I find Burke staring at me. The water in the sink is running and the dishes hang in mid air as he holds them, but his eyes are stuck solely on me. When our eyes connect, he quickly sets the dishes down and turns off the water.
“We didn’t get to talk much over dinner, but what is the businessstuffyou wanted to talk about?” Burke folds his arms over his chest and leans against the counter.
