She glances at me, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “So how come you didn’t inherit your grandfather’s ability to cook?”
“You’re one to talk.” I chuckle, appreciating her attempt to lighten the mood. “We just learned how to make lasagna. Maybe the next time we come to visit, you can give us a cooking lesson.”
“I would love that.” His eyes brighten, melancholy washing away. “Let me know what you would like to learn to make and I’ll have everything we need brought in.” He stands to collect the dessert dishes.
“We can do it.” I rise, taking the plate from his hand. “You did all the cooking. The least we can do is clean up.”
“I may not be a great cook, but I excel at washing dishes.” Beck joins me in clearing the table.
“If you insist, I won’t say no.” His eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles at us. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to head to my room and read a little before bed. I’m sure you will find something to do to amuse yourselves.”
“Thank you again for dinner. It was amazing.”
“Thank you for the company.” He squeezes her forearm as he passes. “I’ll see you in the morning for breakfast.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Good night, Granddad.”
“Good night, son.”
It takes only a short time to clear the table and load everything into the dishwasher. Granddad cleans as he cooks, so there aren’t even any dishes to hand-wash. We definitely got the better end of the deal.
“Are you having a good time?” I ask Beck, throwing the tea towel I used to dry my hands on the counter, backing her up against the island.
“Yes, thanks for bringing me.” Her eyes sparkle as she places her hands on my waist. “I love your grandpa. He reminds me a lot of you, actually.”
“How so?” I ask, dipping my head to kiss the tender skin behind her ear.
Tilting her head, she exhales slowly. “He’s kind and has a great sense of humour.”
“You think I’m kind,” I hum against the column of her neck.
“Mm-hmm,” she moans. “You’re not always grumpy with me.”
“I’m only grumpy when you’re acting like a brat,” I say, nipping her earlobe.
“And when you haven’t had your morning coffee.” She leans back and winks at me.
“And you think I’m funny?” I dig my fingers into her hips and pull her against me.
“You can be funny.” She raises one shoulder.
Lifting her, I set her on the counter and step between her spread legs.
“He’s very handsome.” Rolling her bottom lip between her teeth, she watches me. “I can see where you get your good looks, Pretty Boy.” My eyes drift closed briefly as she runs both her hands along my jaw and up through the sides of my hair. God, why does that feel so good? “I like his beard. You should think about growing one.”
Her eyes drop to my lips before she dips her head to kiss me softly on the side of my mouth. Humming, I capture her lips in a passionate kiss. When I hear her groan into my mouth, I know we need to move this somewhere more private. Pulling back, I meet her lust-filled eyes.
“Are you ready for bed, or do you want to find something to do to amuse ourselves?”
“What I would like to do shouldn’t happen in this kitchen where your grandpa could walk in at any moment.”
Scooping her off the counter, I carry her with her legs wrapped around my waist across the length of the main floor to the room I claimed as mine years ago. I’m very grateful that it’s at the complete opposite end of the house from my grandfather.
Entering the bedroom, I kick the heavy wooden door closed behind us and lock it. Setting her down on her feet beside the bed, I take a small step back. I don’t know what I did to deserve her in my life, but I’m so glad she is here.
She reaches for me and slowly undoes every button on my shirt. Slipping it over my broad shoulders, she pulls it down the length of my arms and allows it to drift to the floor. Her soft hands slip under my T-shirt, fingers dancing over the waistband of my jeans before pulling it over my head and dropping it on the floor.
