Page 150 of Renewal After Dark

Jax started banging on the tray, demanding more crackers.

Duke laughed as he released her to go to him. “I like how he tells us what he wants.”

“I hear we’ll be wishing he’d hush up in no time at all.”

“I can’t wait to hear what he has to say.”

“There you go again. Being sweet.” As she fed Jax cereal and the peas he loved, McKenzie was awash in the strongest feelings she’d ever had for another human being—other than Jax, of course. But these were different feelings. These were full of giddy hope, sweet anticipation and excitement for a future that looked so much brighter than it had before Duke.

He served her a salad with an array of dressings. “Wasn’t sure what you like.”

“So you bought them all?”

“I bought three.”

“I like them all.”

“Then they won’t go to waste.”

“And you bought animal crackers.”

“My buddy loves them.”

“Yes, he does.”

He went to the stove and returned with plates for each of them. “My own creation—seasoned ground beef, pasta, tomatoes and sauce.”

“It looks and smells delicious.”

“It always does when you don’t have to make it.”

“You’re spoiling me.”

“And loving every second of it. Oh, I forgot. There’s bread, too.”

After things blew up with Eric, she’d had to force herself to eat for her sake and the baby’s. Even after Jax arrived, she’d still struggled to eat with her nerves in a constant uproar.

The second she caught a whiff of the meal Duke had made, she was ravenously hungry for the first time in longer than she could remember. She took a bite, and the flavors exploded on her tongue, making her want more. “This is so good.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“I have news about your books.”

“Ugh, is it gonna give me heartburn?”

“Not unless you don’t have the money in an account I don’t know about to pay your overdue estimated quarterlies.”

“I’ve got the money.”

“Then no heartburn. You should pay them tomorrow because you’re accruing penalties with every day that goes by.”

“I’ll take care of it in the morning.”

“I’ll send you the info you need by email.”

“Thank you. Can we not mention it again until then?”

She laughed as she nodded. “My lips are sealed.”

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