Page 47 of Unraveled

I was torn. Of course I was anxious to see him, but I didn’t want this to become a nightly thing, either. That wasn’t dating; that was a relationship. But dammit, it was clam chowder. “Sure, sounds great.”

“Be there in about thirty.”

At a snail’s pace, I got up off the couch in order to ensure I looked somewhat decent. After inspecting myself in the mirror, I didn’t bother with makeup and simply left my hair down.

He arrived on time with a bag that smelled delicious. Once again, he hadn’t hesitated in kissing me at the door. It was as though he’d waited all day for the opportunity.

“Hi, you.”

I grinned. “Hi back.”

“Hope you’re hungry.”

“I am.” I followed him into the kitchen, thinking he was sexy in his faded work jeans and a plaid, button-down shirt.

“I brought lots of clam chowder and bread. I figured what we don’t eat you can have for lunch tomorrow.” He set out the containers, making my eyes go big.

“You bought enough for a couple of lunches.”

He grinned. “Maybe I enjoy knowing you’ll eat them and think of me.”

“It doesn’t take soup for that to happen.” Whether I wanted it or not, Kellan was never very far from my mind.

He kissed my nose. “Good. Where do you feel like eating?”

“How about the table this time around?”

“You got it.” He set it up while I got the spoons and napkins.

We took our seats at the small dining table and settled in to each take our first bite of the delicious clam chowder.

I found I had to put it out there. “I didn’t expect to see you today.”

“I know. I hoped you wouldn’t be annoyed with me dropping by two days in a row. But I hated the thought of waiting until Friday.”

“I’m not annoyed, but you must be tired. How was your day?”

“Productive. We started with the demolition of the old kitchen and bathrooms, and also tearing down a wall that now sits between the living room and dining area. Demo’s normally the easiest part.”

He was working on his ex’s parents’ house if I remembered correctly. I didn’t ask. At least not about that. “Was the meeting with another potential client?”

He hesitated before answering. “Actually, it was with the Williamses about their current renovations. They already needed to discuss some changes.”

“Ah, I take it the ex was there, too.” I tried—for a millisecond—not to ask the question, but my nature was nosey.

He blew out a breath. “She was there. She’s always there. Every morning, sometimes in the afternoons with lunch. She must not have a job of her own.”

Jealousy was a tough thing to stow, but I let it go. He sounded as if he was annoyed by her presence, and he wasn’t trying to hide any of it. On top of that, I had no exclusive rights to him, so it wasn’t really my business.

“How was today with Patty?” he asked, a welcome change of subject.

“Great.” I decided to bring up what she’d mentioned. “She told me the third week after chemo—before the next round—tends to be the best window for having sex. Even offered up a position I believe you’ll be fond of.”

He covered his mouth, looking as if he was choking until he finally swallowed down his soup. “Warn a guy, pre-chowder, before you bring up the words sex and position.”

I grinned. “Sorry. I just—I was curious what you thought about that?”

He set his spoon down, studying me. “I guess—I’m not sure.”