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“Alright, that seems easy enough.”

I take the rolling pin from him, accidentally making our fingers brush. A crackle pulses through my body. It reminds me of the feeling you get when you put pop rocks on your tongue and they snap and pop.

And just from a finger brush. I really need to get out more.

I begin the motion of rolling out the dough, but I’m not quite tall enough to put enough pressure on the firm ball of dough.

Noticing my struggle, Drew comes up behind me, his deep voice sending a vibration through body. “Try pounding the dough down with the rolling pin.”

I can hardly think with him standing so close, but attempt to flatten the dough once more. He puts each of his large hands on top of mine on the rolling pin handles and effortlessly helps me put enough pressure on the dough to flatten it completely.

Which makes me wonder what else those strong hands are capable of.

I can feel his chest brushing against my back, making me feel hot all over. I’m not sure I’ve ever blushed harder than I am right now. I close my eyes briefly and remind myself this is Drew, a close family friend, Penny’s dad, MY LANDLORD.

He continues helping me like this for a few minutes until the dough is in a large, flat circle. The amount of close contact with Drew has turned my limbs into limp noodles and my brain into mush. I listen quietly as he tells me how to place the crust into the pie pan and pour in the egg mixture.

All I can think about is how I want to stick my head into the freezer to cool down, but looking at the clock has the same effect.

“Oh, my gosh! I didn’t realize how late it was!”

Drew pulls back and looks at the clock on the microwave. “Oh wow, you’re right. Em will be back with Penny soon.”

“I need to pick up Samantha.” I practically run out of the kitchen to grab my keys and purse by the door.

“Bye Drew! Thanks for the heated lessons.” My eyes nearly bug out of my head, realizing my mistaken words. “I mean, cooking lessons!”