Page 209 of Securing the Pucking Rebound

He leans forward, and for a moment, I think he’s going to kiss me. I’m ready to throw caution to the wind and stretch up to meet him, but his lips don’t seek out mine. Instead, they land on my forehead.

Tears burn my eyes as the warmth from his chaste kiss burns through me.

“Yes. Dinner,” he finally says, spinning away from me and stalking toward his kitchen, leaving me standing there with my head spinning and my blood searing.

And watching him move effortlessly around his huge, fully kitted-out kitchen only makes it worse.

He’s wearing a pair of gray sweats and a plain white T-shirt that shows off his strong arms and wide chest. His hair is a mess, like he’s spent most of the evening running his hands through it, and his jaw is covered in a thick layer of scruff. Honestly, it doesn’t get much better.

“What have you made?” I ask, moving closer before pulling out one of the stools at his island and climbing onto it.

“Chicken parmigiana with wholewheat pasta, greens, and a side salad.”

My brows lift at the same time my stomach growls.

“And for dessert, Eton Mess with homemade meringue,” he states proudly.

“Wow, you’ve had a busy day.”

He spins around with a baking tray in his hand and lowers it to the counter beside two plates. The scent of garlic gets stronger, mixing with the tomato and herbs.

My stomach growls obnoxiously loud. Hearing it, Calvin looks up and smirks at me.

“Only the best for my girl.”

My heart slams against my ribs as our eyes hold over the counter.

Forgive him. Trust him, a little voice screams inside me.

He gets back to work, plating everything up, and only a few minutes later, he carries two plates to the dining table.

I pick up the bowl of salad he’s prepared and left on the counter and join him.

“The flowers are for you,” he tells me, nodding toward the middle of the eight-person table.

My eyes drift to the bright yellow sunflowers. They have to be the least festive flower he could have chosen, but I love them.

“Thank you.”

“They remind me of you,” he explains as he steps closer. “You light up every room you walk in and make me smile.”

I fight to drag in the air I need.

“You draw me into your orbit without even trying, you always have, and I don’t think you have any idea just what kind of power you have over me.”

He reaches out and tucks a lock of my wavy hair behind my ear.

“I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to prove you’re the only one for me, darlin’. You’ve just got to give me the chance.”

My lips part to tell him that he can, but he beats me to it.

“I’ve got wine,” he says, darting off, leaving me swaying on my feet.

When he returns with the bottle, I’ve taken my seat.

“Just a small one. There’s every chance I’ll pass out if I have too much.”

“I don’t have a problem with tucking you into my bed tonight,” he teases as he does as he’s told and pours me a small glass.