Page 32 of Tangled in His Embrace

After checking to make sure she had everything she needed, Gabby pulled out all the ingredients for her homemade lasagna. She didn’t make it often because it took more time than she usually had with a three-year-old running around. Given her current situation, however, it was a perfect distraction.

Jax strolled out of the hallway ten minutes later, freshly showered. She counted her lucky stars that he was fully clothed and that he wasn’t strutting around in a towel.

He spotted her and came to take a seat at the island. “What are you makin’?”

“Lasagna.”

“Oh, yum.” He slid off the stool and walked over to her. “How can I help?”

She was on the verge of telling him she had it covered but changed her mind. If he was busy helping her make lunch, she wouldn’t have to worry so much about them ending up naked on the kitchen island. At least, that was how she rationalized it in her mind. As much as her body would have loved to do exactly that, she had to keep her head on straight. Not only for her sake, but for Taylor’s as well. They couldn’t afford to screw this up. Taylor didn’t remember her father leaving the first time around. She would now. So Gabby had to be smart about this.

“You could brown the meat while I put the noodles on to boil.”

Like no time had passed, Jax went to the drawer and pulled out her largest skillet. He picked up the package of ground meat. “The whole thing?”

“Yes, please.”

Soon they were working side by side. It felt natural. Comfortable. Like he’d never left.

It took almost an hour to get everything assembled and ready to go into the oven, but it already smelled heavenly. She made sure to put a baking sheet under the casserole dish in case any of the sauce spilled over, and then shut the door.

“How long until it’s done?” he asked.

“Forty-five minutes to an hour.”

Jax was at the sink, rinsing off the items they’d used and loading them into the dishwasher. She’d gotten used to doing everything herself. It was nice having help again.

“Thank you.”

He looked up and smiled at her. “You’re feeding me. It’s the least I can do.”

Gabby knew she needed to come up with something or clothes were going to start coming off. She could already feel her internal temperature starting to rise. “Did you want to watch a movie? I have a few that aren’t cartoons.”

The soft chuckle he released stirred up the butterflies in her stomach. “Sounds good.”

He held out his hand and she took it, weaving their fingers together as she led them out of the kitchen.

---