Page 11 of Cheese Daddy

Owen raised an eyebrow at her, tilting his head as he tried to figure out what she wasn’t saying.

“You’re still hard,” she blurted out, and he burst out laughing.

“Oh sweetheart, don’t worry about that,” he reassured her when he got his laughter down to a chuckle, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her more securely onto his lap again. “Tonight was about you.”

“Yeah, I know but… I want to do something for you, too,” she grumped, crossing her arms across her chest over the blanket wrapped around her boobs. Dropping her head to his shoulder, she sighed as she settled back into place. If he wanted to go home with blue balls, that was up to him.

“Trust me, you did.” He didn’t add anything to the enigmatic statement, leaving her wondering as his fingers stroked up and down the sides of her arm. “I’d be happy to scene with you any time. Or… if you’d like, I’d love to take you out to dinner?”

The upward lilt of his voice made it a question and Bree felt her heart skip a happy little beat.

“Like a date?” With her head on his chest, she could actually feel the rumble of his chuckle.

“Yes, exactly like a date. I like you a lot, Bree, and would like to get to know you better. If you don’t feel the same way, I’m happy continuing to be your friend.”

Happiness rushed through her, washing away her trepidation. Her friends were right. Owen was a good guy. If things didn’t work out between them, it would be okay. They’d be civil. Maybe even friendly. And if things did work out between them, it wouldn’t even matter.

“I’d love to go on a date with you.”

6

Owen

“What do you recommend that’s not blue cheese?”

Bree’s grin made Owen shake his head. This wasn’t the first time she’d come to his food truck, but usually, she just put in her order and moved away to talk with her friends. Eden and Rita were in line for tacos in front of Andres’ truck.

“You’re killing me, Bree.” He grinned back at her. “Do you want something with brie?”

“The Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese does sound good,” she said, glancing at the menu.

That was one of his favorites. Turkey, brie, gouda, and cranberries, served with a gravy dipping sauce.

“It is good. They’re all good. Especially the ones with blue cheese.” His pointed look had her laughing.

The guy behind her was rolling his eyes while he played with his phone, but Owen ignored him. Everyone was always in a hurry, but it wouldn’t kill them to wait thirty seconds so Owen could flirt with Bree.

“Okay, I’ll have the Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese.”

Apparently, she was going to ignore his blue cheese remarks. Ah, well.

“You’re making me blue, Bree.”

She actually snorted, then covered her mouth and nose as she laughed even harder, As soon as she was done paying she stepped away so he could take the next order. Owen couldn’t get the stupid grin off his face, though it wasn’t the worst thing. Despite his impatience, the guy behind her actually smiled when he put in his order.

Smiles were contagious.

Switching places with Daniel, so he could make Bree’s sandwich himself, Owen put an extra pickle in her box. He’d noticed how much she seemed to like them—and that was not an innuendo.

“Order for Bree,” he called from the window.

She peeled off from her friends and the heating lamp they were standing next to, grinning up at him. She was damned cute in her puffy blue coat and matching blue earmuffs that perched perfectly between the little knots of hair adorning her head. Leaning out the window, he handed her the box with her sandwich.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll see you tonight?” For some reason, it came out as a question even though they’d already made their plans. He was taking her to dinner and ice skating, which he was really looking forward to. Even though she’d already said yes, and they’d set up a time for him to pick her up and everything, part of him wanted the confirmation.

“Yup. See you tonight.” Eyes sparkling, she made her way back to her friends as he watched.

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