Page 40 of Baby, It’s Hot Inside

She reaches up and drags it out of her mouth, again with that popping sound.

Goddamn, she’s sexy. “Do you have to do that?” I ask, my voice sounding harsh.

She turns and sticks one hand on her hip. “Why? Does it bother you?”

“Yes. It really does.” And it makes my dick hard as a fucking pipe. For obvious reasons, I can’t tell her that.

She gives me a sweet smile, then sticks the peppermint back in between her lips. “Then, yes. I do have to do it.”

Her lips close over the candy, her cheeks hollow as she sucks. Then she slowly pulls the stick out.

Pop.

“Don’t you know by now, Luca? I was put on this earth to annoy you.”

I turn away from her and have to adjust my hard-on again before I take Mabel out for a quick potty break. What would Jackie say if she knew that annoyance wasn’t even close to what she was making me feel?

chapter twenty-three

Jackie

Just focus on the food.

I’ve had to repeat that at least thirty times since I started putting the meal together. Finally, everything is heated and ready to eat and I get dishes out. True to his word, Luca got a nice fire going in the living room and has since been sitting quietly with Mabel.

“How long have you had her?” I ask, while I set everything out on the island countertop. “This is ready, if you want to come make a plate.”

He jumps up from his spot and washes his hands before grabbing a plate. “I got Mabel when she was just a couple months old. She’s nearly four now, I guess.

We sit at the stools on the other side of the island, right next to one another, like we’re friends. I mean I don’t know what we are. I know once upon a time he didn’t think I was good enough for his best friend. A guy he no longer even speaks to as far as I’m aware.

“You have any pets?” he asks.

I shake my head and chew my bite of taco before clarifying. “My dad was allergic to animal dander, so we just never had any growing up. I don’t know why I haven’t gotten one since he passed. I think I’d have to get a dog. I’m pretty sure cats don’t like me. At least your sister’s cat doesn’t.”

He snorts. “My sister’s cat doesn’t like anyone but her and Ren.”

I watch him take a bite, and for whatever reason, I pause my own chewing, waiting to see if he likes it. I don’t know why; I already know I’m a good cook.

Then his eyes close. And he moans, long and loud.

I just stare at him while he chews.

When he finally opens his eyes, he gives me a guilty shrug. “I’m sorry. This is really amazing. I haven’t been able to find any good carne asada by where I live.”

I roll my eyes. “It’s not that hard to make.”

“I’m serious, Jackie.”

“Whatever.”

“Can you just take the compliment? I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it. This is fucking delicious.”

I nod and eat a few more bites.

“So, how’s business for you at the salon?” he asks.

“Oh my gosh, please don’t do that.”