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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.”