Not since high school had he felt compelled to pick flowers for a girl. And when he did, it was for Jannie. But back then, he’d chickened out and tossed the wildflowers in the dumpster behind the gym before heading on to first period.
Whatever had him spellbound was still there, but a thousand times stronger. What it was about her, he didn’t know. All he knew was that she’d captivated him all those years ago, and he was living his high school fantasy.
He sensed her presence behind him before hearing her footsteps or catching her scent. His body responded, every muscle tensing as she drew near.
“Wow.” She surveyed the elaborate spread that took up the whole table. “You went all out. And flowers!” She flashed him a delighted smile. “Did you pick these yourself?”
He suddenly felt a twinge of vulnerability. “Maybe.”
Her smile widened. “I love them!” She glanced around. “Where’s Rolf?”
“Locked up.”
She grinned. “Good boy.”
Nick blinked. Of course, that was meant for the dog. Or was it? Before he could ponder that, she spoke again.
“All of this is for the two of us?”
“Yeah.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I guess I went a little overboard.”
She shook her head, her lips curving with amusement. “You and your taste tests.”
Warmth spread through his chest. She remembered how he’d ordered multiple desserts when they’d had dinner together.
“Where did you order from?” she asked, sitting on the sofa and picking up her plate.
“A place I knew you liked.” He checked out her pert breasts in the blue Florida Gators T-shirt she wore. A pity she had chosen to cover up those shapely legs of hers with jeans. “The Lark.”
“The Lark?”
“Yeah.”
“I don’t remember them serving pizzas.”
“I asked for a favor.”
“From whom?”
“The pastry chef.”
Slowly, recognition dawned on her face. “That lady!”
“Yes. Louise Fontaine.” He grinned. “Wait till you see the desserts.”
“Desserts? More than one? Thanks for the warning. I’ll be sure to leave room.” Her gaze landed on a plate in the center of the display, and her whole face lit up. “Mozzarella sticks!”
She clapped her hands like a child, and Nick smiled broadly as she patted the space beside her on the sofa.
Grinning at her enthusiasm, he sat beside her. “I guess I have a hit, huh?”
“Out of the park!” She picked up one of the golden-fried cheese rods and bit into it with zeal, slowly raising her arm so the mozzarella stretched and stretched until it drooped.
He quickly placed a finger under it before the string could land on her chest and stain her shirt. Jannie smiled around the mouthful, her lips glossy as she hollowed her cheeks and began drawing it in.
She managed to take in quite a bit before he guided the last of it to her mouth, his fingertip grazing her lower lip. It was all he could do to keep from pushing that finger between her glossy lips and telling her to suck.
“I love a good cheese pull.” She closed her eyes as she took another bite and moaned.
