Page 38 of Finding Chloe

Their ridiculous banter was just what we needed to ease the tension. I could’ve kissed Hunter for doing what he does best—bringing levity to the night.

“You think you can snap those beans for me, Kyle?” Matt asked.

“What do you mean by snap?”

My poor guy. He really didn’t know much about cooking. Maybe he and I needed to have some private lessons. Just thinking about being alone with Kyle had my nipples hardening and thoughts going to places they shouldn’t right now.

Hunter picked up a bean and snapped off the ends before tossing it into the bowl Matt had put aside for the veggies. Kyle nodded and worked through the pile Hunter placed in front of him. I loved the quiet intensity he brought to the task.

“Chicken’s almost done,” Hunter announced. Matt took a plate from the cabinet and set it beside the stove for Hunter to pile on the meat.It was cute seeing them working together without even realizing it.

“Will you toss me the garlic?” Matt asked Kyle as Hunter oiled the pan for Matt to start the veggies. Kyle tossed the seasoning to Matt and then checked through the spices.

“Isn’t this an Italian dish? Do you want the Italian seasoning too?” Kyle shook the spice shaker at Matt, then tossed it to him when he was ready.

“Water is boiling.” Matt jerked his chin to the pot on the burner. I smiled as Matt slid out of the way and made room for Kyle to empty the box of noodles in the water. Hunter glanced over Matt’s shoulder, then turned and placed a pot warmer onthe counter. Matt lifted his pan off the stove and set it on the warmer. “Thanks.”

“Kyle, help me with the sauce?” I asked, placing a saucepan on the newly vacated burner.

“Sure.”

“Will you grab the heavy cream and the broth from the counter? And the cheese that’s in the fridge?”

Adding in the ingredients one by one, Kyle stirred for me, and I pressed the garlic and chopped up a few herbs. “Keep stirring. I’ll be right back.”

I practically danced from foot to foot, needing to run to the bathroom but terrified of what might happen while I was gone. I worried my lip between my teeth and decided to let things happen as they were supposed to. I knew deep down I wanted all three of them, but it was up to them to see the same.

It took everything in me not to run down the hall, but I heard the guys casually talking and took a second to calm my racing heart. I stopped before turning the corner and leaned lightly against the wall to take a deep breath. From here, I could see the kitchen reflected in the double stove doors. The three of them seemed to be working around each other with ease.

Kyle glanced at his watch and went to the pot of boiling pasta. Using the ladle, he scooped out a noodle and blew on it, then pinched it between his finger and cocked his wrist like he was going to throw it.

“What are you doing?” Matt grabbed his arm.

“Seeing if the pasta’s done,” Kyle responded. I loved how his brow furrowed and he looked at Matt like he was the weird one. I wanted to laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation while panic rushed through me.

“That only works with spaghetti, not bowtie,” Matt responded in a gruff tone.

“Oh.” Kyle’s cheeks took on a pink hue, and he glanced nervously away from Matt. His sadness cut at my heart. Maybe this wasn’t such a great idea. Kyle had enough doubts. I didn’t want him to feel like he wasn’t an essential part of this relationship.

“Just pop it in your mouth and chew. If it still seems too hard, then let it go longer.”

Kyle tossed the piece into his mouth, his expression thoughtful.

Hunter spooned out a bowtie and chucked it in the air only to catch it in his mouth. “I think it’s about done. Go grab the strainer.” He pointed to where it was hanging with the rest of the pot and pans.

“Can I volunteer never to cook again?” Kyle ran his hand down his face.

“Don’t worry. You’ll get the hang of it if we cook like this more.” Matt patted him on the shoulder, and my heart soared.

Matt was the biggest holdout, and the fact that he mentioned doing this again had to mean he was willing to give it a shot. My heart pounded in my chest, and hope seemed to sear through my veins. Maybe we could make this work.

I stepped into the kitchen as Matt dumped the ingredients into a dish, Hunter mixed it together, and Kyle rummaged through the drawers and produced a handful of silverware.

“Where are we eating?” Kyle asked when he saw me standing by the wall, watching Hunter and Matt. I pointed across the hallway to the dining room. Kyle gave me a shy smile and set the table.

“Go sit down, kitten. We’ll finish everything here.”

“Are you sure?” It didn’t matter that I was only going to the next room. It made me nervous to leave them alone.

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