Page 28 of Enough

He pulled an empty tray from the counter and sat it in front of him, layering sections of a crème filled dough on the sheet.

“I’ve decided to start my own nonprofit, Caregivers Organization. I’m in the beginning stages of creating a fundraising benefit for it. I was taking a look at Morgan’s on Fulton when Desiree called,” Claudia announced.

“That sounds like a lovely nonprofit,” Norma chimed. “If you ask me, caregivers don’t get enough recognition.”

“That’s true, but my organization is more focused on being a resource for caregivers in the city of Chicago, than in recognizing them for their efforts. However, now that you mention it, there should be some sort of awards ceremony for them.”

“Maybe you could add it to what I’m sure is a long list of duties.”

Claudia smiled. “Yeah it’s worth it though.” She peered over at Jaden who hadn’t spoken a word. His penetrating gaze seeming to go on forever. Flustered, Claudia set her focus back on the task she’d been assigned.

“Are you doing this alone?” Jaden finally asserted.

“Yes, I am. Why, do you want to help me?”

“I’d love to help. I’ve got a few contacts. I’m sure I could pull their attention to the matter.”

“When?” Norma asked. “Before or after you finish gawking at her from across the table?”

Claudia choked back a laugh and Jaden turned his mischievous grin on Norma.

“After,” he said.

More giggles left Claudia. “Oh you find that funny,” his dark voice beat. Jaden grabbed the tray and took it to the oven, sliding it in next to the cookies. He shut the oven door and strolled over to Claudia, wrapping his arms around her from behind.

She laughed, bending and twisting trying to escape his grasp.

“Oh my God, let me go,” she laughed, but he didn’t. Even Norma was tickled. She’d never seen Jaden this taken with any young lady and Norma had a growing suspicion that their friendship was more than they let on.

“That’s enough you two.” Norma slung a hand towel at them. “At this rate, the boys will be getting these treats in a few days instead of later today.”

“So true!” Claudia chimed in, still caught in Jaden’s embrace. “Unhand me, man!” Jaden tickled her more for good measure, and Claudia wiggled, desperate to escape him. Once his fingers had calmed, Claudia was able to regain her composure. Jaden’s masculine arms squeezed her, and he brought his lips down on her shoulder in a tender, sweet kiss.

“You know the harder you laugh, the deeper your dimples become.”

Claudia blushed. “I hardly pay them any attention anymore.”

“I wonder why that is? They’re beautiful.” He placed a kiss on her cheek absentmindedly, and Claudia blushed again.

Norma cleared her throat, and Jaden held his hands up in surrender. “I’m sorry, mademoiselle,” he said to her. “Maybe we should put Claudia out, she’s interrupted me.” The mirth in his gaze had Norma chuckling now.

Claudia gasped. “Hey, I’ll have you know, I’m over here doing what was asked of me. You, sir, are the distraction.”

Norma pointed at them both. “If my opinion is anything to the both of you, then I’d say you’re collectively a distraction. Even I’m wasting time chastising you two. Why don’t you go on a date or something? You’ve obviously got a thing for one another.”

“We’ve been on a date,” Jaden said.

“Well, maybe you should go wherever it is you young folks go after dating for a while.”

Instantly, Claudia had a vision of Jaden standing at the altar with an Armani suit tailored to his muscular frame. Just as quickly, she shook the thoughts.

“What do you think, Claudia?”

“Hmm? About what?”

“Would you like to accompany me on a trip?”

Claudia’s mind whirled. “Um,” she stuttered flabbergasted. “I suppose it’s possible. I’d have to check with my sister to see if she has time to look after my mother. Where would we be going?”

Jaden rubbed his chin. “I’m thinking some place fun where we can let loose and play on the wild side.”

Claudia’s belly flopped. “The wild side?” It was the one thing she was trying to elude. Didn’t her mom and sister already think she was irresponsible? However, the term took on new meaning with Jaden. And if the dangerous gaze in his eyes was any indication of that, she was ready to be as foolish with him as foolish could be. You only live once, right?

“There’s only one place I know of like that,” Claudia spoke.

“I’m listening.”

“Vegas, baby.”

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