Page 71 of The Flirt

"How did that happen?" I was genuinely confused.

"Sugar, I’m hard most of the time when I'm around you."

"Well, at least now I can do something about it." I meant to wrap my palm around him, but he caught my wrist.

"No."

"Why not?"

He grabbed my hair, tilted my head slightly forward, and kissed down my cheek. "Go take your bath, Scarlett. Your body needs a break."

He moved his lips down to my jaw and then stepped back under the spray of the shower.

How was he so considerate?

I didn't tempt him further, though. Instead, I went to the tub, which had filled up somewhat, and lowered myself into it. I had the perfect view of him in the shower, and I liked it.

He got out a few minutes later and wrapped a towel around himself.

"When do you need me downstairs?" I asked.

"I'll call you." After securing the towel, he walked to me and leaned down, kissing my shoulder. "Just relax. I'll take care of everything."

My entire body loosened at his words.

"Thank you." I was the type who always felt the need to do something. But as I laid in the tub, looking at the ceiling, I realized I actually enjoyed relaxing.

I stayed in the water until it was lukewarm and then decided to join Chad in the kitchen. No matter what he said, he could always use some help.

I toweled off and considered wrapping a dry towel around me, but I decided to put my dress back on. I didn't bother with the panties, though.

The house smelled wonderful. As I left the bedroom, Bella’s room caught my attention, and I grinned. It was full of Harry Potter stuff, and it made my heart happy that Chad indulged her.

I knew he'd made a gumbo before I even stepped in the kitchen. At the foot of the staircase, I stared at him without announcing myself, wanting to observe him for a bit. He looked absolutely delicious. Those abs were so damn impressive. I remembered how wonderful they felt against my body.

"Did you get your fill?" he asked.

"You knew I was here?"

"The stairs creak like crazy. I heard you come down."

I joined him the next second. "It was a good moment to just admire all these muscles at work."

I glanced in the simmering pot, then took off the lid and sniffed the aroma.

"I smell celery." My stomach rumbled even louder.

Chad kissed the back of my neck, and I shuddered. "It's ready. Sit down and I'll pour each of us a bowl."

"No rice?" I asked.

He cocked a brow. "You think I'm an amateur?" Then he pointed to the right.

"A rice cooker. Smart."

"I always cheat with rice."

"It's not a bad idea because then you don't have to keep an eye on two things at once."

---