Page 38 of Embers of Torment

"I'll have the same as you guys."

Adam popped open the food containers and stuck a serving spoon in each. I retrieved a third beer from the refrigerator and opened the bottles. After setting two on the counter for Adam and Della, I stepped back and leaned against the sink while they filled their plates. I made mine as soon as they finished and joined them at the table I'd already set with placemats and napkins. I took a seat across from Della.

"Yum. This chicken chow mein is so freaking delish." Della took a bite, closing her eyes and moaning as she chewed.

I watched her, mesmerized by the look of ecstasy that lit her face and the sensual-sounding noises that came from her throat. Then an image of the two of us lying naked in my bed filled my mind.

Della's eyes opened, and our gazes locked. Her face flushed, almost as if she knew what I was thinking. Breaking the connection, I dipped my head and ate my barbeque pork fried rice.

"We should make this a monthly get-together. We can rotate apartments," Adam said before taking a big bite of kung pao chicken. He seemed oblivious to the sexually toned interaction between Della and me.

Della shook her head. "Nope. You two can switch off. That way, I get to be the pampered guest, although it would be better if Jace knew how to make gourmet pancakes like Theo."

"If I did, does that mean you'd spend the night?" I arched a brow suggestively and grinned.

This time, Adam paused, his brows knitting together as he stared at me.

Della coughed several times, apparently swallowing a bite of food wrong. Pink-faced, she said, "It certainly does not! You're close enough that I can come back in the morning. See? Easy peasy."

"Hey, umm. Am I missing something?" Adam studied me for a moment, then shifted his attention to Della. "There's like this little bit of tension between you guys."

"Of course not! That's silly." Della vehemently shook her head.

I smiled, causing Della's face to flush again.

Adam eyeballed us, looking confused, but said nothing else.

Della was quiet for the remainder of dinner, although her gaze landed on me several times. Twice, I caught her staring at my lips while Adam and I discussed various subjects.

After we ate, I cleared the table and stacked the dishes in the dishwasher. Della put the food away, and Adam found the movie on my Disney channel.

"Can we start the flick? Adam has it ready to go on the television," Della said, grabbing another beer from the refrigerator.

"Give me a minute." I turned on my dishwasher. "I want to put on something more comfortable."

"Like what?" Della scrunched her eyes. "You didn't change last time."

"Well, I am this time. I'll be back." I left Della and went to my bedroom, telling Adam I'd be ready to go in a few minutes before closing the door. I changed into the garment I had purchased online several days ago. "I'm back," I said louder than necessary when I rejoined them.

As soon as they spotted me, they broke into hysterical laughter. Della held her stomach while she lost it.

"What the…" Adam shook his head as he checked out my chocolate brown onesie, which had a teddy bear face for the hood and two cute little ears.

Della wiped the corner of her eye with her knuckle. "Where the bejesus did you get that thing, and when?"

"I ordered it on Amazon, and it was delivered this morning. I couldn't have you be the only one wearing a onesie tonight."

"Your bear suit is hilarious." Adam continued to shake his head.

"Just call me Yogi." I spun around and wiggled my butt.

Della lost it again. "Oh, criminy," she roared. "You have a nubby tail."

"And I hope it's comfortable to sit on." Chuckling, I grabbed my beer from the dining table and sat in the corner of the couch next to Della. "Okay, Adam. You can start the movie." As soon as Adam became immersed in the story, I leaned toward Della and whispered, "I wore this for you."

Della turned, her face now inches from mine. "Umm…thanks. You're…umm…kind of adorable."

I brushed some wayward strands of hair from her cheek. "So are you." Smiling, I returned my attention to the television. The tension building between us was electric, and I wanted to push it as much as possible without making her retreat.

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