Page 64 of Rigid

“Girl power is my mantra,” she said. “This is awesome.”

She slipped it over her wrist, and I noticed she already wore a similar bracelet. I grinned at the thought of her actually liking what I had given her.

After she got it situated, she opened her arms. “Thank you.”

As she hugged me I decided she was an awesome person, and that although we weren’t too far apart in age, she’d be an equally awesome step-daughter if the day ever came that Smokey and I were officially together.

As we finished setting the table, I realized that she’d also be a big sister to the life that was slowly growing inside of me.

I took a quick look at her. She was absolutely adorable, and reminded more of a mother or a wife than a daughter that was still in high school. The thought of her being a sister to our baby made me happy.

Really happy.

“Smells good,” Smokey said.

The sound of his voice caused me to turn around. When I saw him, I sucked in an unexpected breath.

He was dressed in a plaid long-sleeved pearl snap shirt like the surfers often wore. Neatly pressed, and untucked, it was in complete contrast to what he normally wore.

Seeing him wearing it caused me to smile.

I looked him up and down. His jeans were new, too. “You look nice,” I said.

His blue eyes glistened. “Thanks.”

“Did you wash your hands?” Eddie asked.

He held them up. “Yep.”

“I need to wash mine,” I said.

“Bathroom’s that way.” Eddie pointed toward the living room. “We’ll eat when you get back.”

I turned toward the doorway that led to the living room. Smokey stood in the threshold of the door. When I attempted to walk past him, he stopped me. Then, something unexpected happened.

Very unexpected.

With his index finger, he lifted my chin ever so slightly, gazing down at me as he did so. Our eyes locked, and he leaned toward me.

My heart skipped a beat.

I thought for an instant that he was going to kiss me, but he paused. With his lips only an inch from mine, he hovered over me and gazed into my eyes. At that instant, after being duped into thinking a kiss was imminent, I forgot how to breathe. My heart pounded into my ribs, reassuring me with each beat how much I wanted him to do so.

I sucked in a quick breath and stood on quivering legs, wishing he would have.

And then, he did.

Our mouths met and melted into one another. My eyes fell closed.

The kiss was soft, and subtle, but far more powerful than any kiss I’d ever experienced.

Our lips parted, and I opened my eyes.

He released my chin and grinned. “First door on the right.”

While I washed my hands, I realized it was the first time we’d kissed. I remembered what Craig had told me about Smokey taking possession of me, and decided that the kiss was the first step. Feeling giddy, I returned to the kitchen and sat in front of the only available place setting.

Smokey looked at Eddie. “You or me?”