Page 31 of Trust My Bodyguard

He snorts. “Definitely not done with you for sure.” My cheeks heat up even more, bringing a smile to his face. “How is she?” He nods toward my lower body.

“Fuck you.” I’m still swollen and needy despite trying to put what happened behind me.

“I know you want to.” He winks.

Did I really think he was going to be cool about it? I roll my eyes and plop onto the kitchen stool. “What did you make?”

“Feta cheese pasta.” He juggles the pan, jostling its contents. “We’re having guests. Can’t have them breaking their wrists cutting through a too-tough steak.”

That was one time. All Iris had to do was watch the steak while I finished up the side dish and it turned out as well as he described it. I’ve learned my lesson since.

I’m not even mad he’s calling me out for that. My mouth waters for his pasta. It looks and smells divine but I’m not telling him that.

“How rich of you.”

He raises a brow.

“Only cooking because your friends are coming over.”

“You don’t give me room to cook on a usual day, do you?”

“You never ask for it, do you?”

His eyes grow heavy. “Will you let me if I asked?”

My breath catches in my throat. I somehow feel like this has nothing to do with cooking.

And yes, I would let him if he asks nicely, but that’s beyond him so it’s never happening.

The sound of footsteps sends a spike through my spine. I sit up straighter. “That’s absurd. There’s no way I’m letting you handle our meals!” I’m a little louder than necessary, but I’m trying my hardest to shut down the voice that’s saying yes to something that is definitely not cooking.

“Ivy…” Iris walks into the kitchen. She’s in a prim sweater and fancy pants. Her hair is pinned away from her face. Her made-up face. Mild but apparent. Why is she dressed up? “Don’t scold Brody. He’s making dinner for all of us.”

“He’s making dinner because his friends are coming over. Has zilch to do with us.”

“Still, he’s being nice. The least you could do is not fight with him.”

The fuck? When did I lose Iris’s support? My eyes flash to Brody. He must have turned her against me. He smirks, looking pleased with himself.

“Oh, that looks tasty!” Iris leans in to breathe in the steam rising from the pan. “I can’t wait! Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“Set the table,” he says smoothly. “I’ll clean up here.”

Iris hops to it while Brody turns to clear the utensils he used. Both act like I’m not there at all.

I fold my arms and sit back.

Look at them. Acting like longtime roommates.Pssh. No matter what, I’m not getting carried away with Brody’s act. He may have Iris fooled but not me.

Just because he took us skiing, made me come, and has now prepared dinner means nothing. He’d go back to his grumpy self in a heartbeat and I’d be the one calming Iris down and promising her she did nothing to offend him. He’s just a giant dick. With a giant dick I want inside of me but we’re not focused on that right now.

Ten minutes later, there’s a knock at the door. Brody’s head snaps up and his muscular frame goes rigid. The veins on his arm pop like he’s gearing for a fight. With sharp movements, he rids himself of the apron and prowls over. Iris skips in the same direction. He holds out an arm, asking her to stay. She nods and hangs back, earning a thumbs up from him. I roll my eyes. Bet he wishes I were that compliant.

Not at all moved by the theatrics, I inch closer, standing apart from them. The door opens. It’s not the Big Bad coming for us. Brody and Iris welcome Sera and the guys.

Before now, Iris and I have only seen the latter briefly when Brody communicated with them by video. My sister hugs them with a big smile on her face.

She’s probably so excited because this is the most fun we’ve had in a single day since coming to Pine Peaks. I’d be having fun too if it wasn’t for you-know-who.

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