Page 169 of Puck Me Back to Life

I sigh dramatically. “A tragedy.”

“It really would be.” He tugs gently on my hand, leading me toward the dining table. “You can flirt after dessert.”

I grin. “Is that a promise?”

He looks over his shoulder. “Maybe.”

Dinner is somehow even better than it smelled. I knew it would be good the second I walked through the door. I wasn't prepared for this. The first bite is enough to make me stop chewing for a second just so I can appreciate what's happening.

The laugh that escapes Kai is soft and almost shy. For some reason, that makes the food taste even better. I immediately go back for another bite.

By the time I've cleaned half my plate, Kai is openly smiling at me.

“Okay, Angela did a fantastic job, but what did you make specifically?”

Kai laughs and puts a piece of apple pie in front of me. “Try this.”

I push my half-eaten dinner away and cut viciously into the delicate pie my lover has set in front of me.

I take a bite. “Holy shit.”

Kai eyes me nervously. “Holy shit…bad?”

I snort. “No, idiot. I feel like I’m transcending to apple heaven.” I shove another bite into my mouth.

Kai sits back down and smiles at me.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Kai.”

“I just…” He shrugs. “I forgot what it was like.”

“What?”

“Watching somebody enjoy my baking.”

I look down at the plate again. “It'd be a crime not to.”

He laughs. “You really never cook?”

“I can—sorta. I just choose not to.”

“So what exactly do you eat?”

I consider the question. “Protein bars. Takeout. Eggs.”

“Good.”

“Sometimes grilled cheese.”

“Acceptable.”

“Ramen.”

His fork freezes halfway to his mouth. “You're literally thirty.”