Page 107 of Renewal After Dark

So it was kind of amazing to him that he’d willingly stepped into her web, fully aware of what he was doing and happy to be ensnared by her and her baby son.

A month ago, the thought of being involved with a single mom would’ve been ludicrous. He’d begun to believe that he’d had his one go-round with true love, and that would be that. When he looked back now at that earlier relationship, he could barely remember the details of her face or the sound of her voice or why he’d been so enthralled.

He already knew that if McKenzie left tomorrow, he’d never forget the fine details that made up her unforgettable face or what she sounded like telling him to go get his helmet and to hurry up about it. Recalling that made him smile like a fool. For a guy who hadn’t been bossed by anyone in longer than he could remember, he was sure enjoying being ordered around by her.

Funny how that’d happened—and how he’d let it—knowingly, willingly, eagerly.

As he packed up chicken, potatoes, green beans and salad into containers for transport, he hoped she liked what he’d cooked. If she didn’t, he’d order her some takeout. Whatever it took to make her happy.

That last thought should’ve been enough on its own to send him running for his life from the sort of commitment that would be required to date a single mom—and her son. He ought to talk to Mac about that since he’d had a similar journey with his now-wife and son. He’d do that the next time he saw him.

He hoisted the tote containing dinner over his shoulder and grabbed the bottle of white wine he’d bought for himself since she wasn’t drinking and strolled across the yard to the garage apartment, whistling a catchy tune as he went.

McKenzie came to the door, looking like a sunny spring day as she waited for him, wearing those sexy cut-off denim shorts and a sleeveless top with flowers on it.

Now she had him waxing poetic. If that didn’t beat all. Maybe Sierra was right that she’d cast a spell over him. How else to explain the gallop in his heart and the heating of his blood as he went up the stairs to her?

She opened the door for him and stepped back to let him in.

The scent of something cooking had his mouth watering.

“What did you make?”

“Gran’s banana bread that I promised you and Sierra.”

“Oh damn. It smells incredible. My mouth is watering. Am I drooling?” He stuck his chin out so she could get a good look at him.

McKenzie gave him a close inspection that set his heart to racing again. “No sign of drool.”

“That’s surprising. You and Rosemary’s banana bread are a potent combo that would usually cause copious drooling.”

She laughed as he deposited his bag on the counter and began unpacking their dinner. “What did you make?”

“Chicken, potatoes, green beans and salad.”

“And you made enough for me?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s very sweet of you.”

He gave her his trademarked side-eyed look as he released a low growl.

“What?” she sputtered on a laugh. “It is sweet!”

“It’s food. Don’t be a doofus about it.”

“It’s food that you made forus.”

“You’re still being a doofus.”

“I appreciate it, Duke.” She took him by the chin and kissed him. “I really do.”

He was far more undone by a chaste kiss than he should’ve been. “You’re welcome. Grab some plates.”

She collected plates and silverware and brought them to the small table with two chairs.

Then she went back for glasses and deposited a lit candle on the table.

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