Page 15 of My Mail Order Valentine

"Stay with me, Elena. At least until you figure out what you want to do next. I've been a jerk. My only excuse is that I really don't like people making decisions for me."

"I think I see your point. Are you sure, though? It might take me some time to find a place to live."

"I'm certain."

"Can we drop by a grocery store? I want to make you a special dinner as a thank you."

"You don't have to do that, Elena."

"Come on, it will be fun."

We picked up some pastries for dessert and went to the store. I discovered the hard way that Elena loves to save a penny, which means she keeps comparing prices on every product she needs. It took us nearly an hour to gather the ingredients for a homemade lasagna. I almost suggested ordering takeout, but I didn't want to hurt her feelings. Seeing her smile had somehow become one of my priorities.

On our way home, we picked up Evie from Mrs. Brown's house, and against my better judgment, I let Elena carry my daughter to the car. She decided to sit in the back with her while I drove us home. I could hear her talking to the baby, but I couldn't make out the words because she was whispering.

Back home, I let the girls play for a bit while I changed and put away the groceries, leaving the ingredients for the lasagna on the kitchen counter. I already had Evie's food prepared, and Elena offered her services as a feeder.

By the end of Evie's meal, they were both covered in mashed potatoes, and Elena was no longer smiling. I guess she thought taking care of the baby was easier than it actually was. I should have known this homey scene was too good to be true because, by the end of the night, I had to put out another fire.

Chapter 5

Elena

Boy, was I in big trouble. Now that Hunter is being nice to me, he looks ten times more delicious than he did before. Every smile he sends my way makes me feel hot all over, and I keep crossing my legs to relieve the need that is building between them.

The problem is, though, I’m getting my hopes up. That’s a bad, bad thing. It would be so easy to fall in love with a guy like Hunter, but I'm pretty sure he's just being nice because he feels sorry for me. I take a quick shower while he reads his daughter some bedtime stories.

I put on the warmest clothes I can find in my suitcase and then go to the kitchen to start with the food. I love Italian food, so Imake lasagna often. Hunter's kitchen is quite modern, and there are some appliances I don't really recognize. I find an apron and put it on. It's quite big on me, but I don't mind.

Hunter's voice trails from the other room, soothing me. I let myself relax and start cutting vegetables while the water for the pasta boils. This feels right somehow, and I mentally berate myself again for getting my hopes up.

I'm not cooking for him to impress him. Not really. I mean it. I'm not trying to impress him. Okay, fine. I want him to go gaga over my cooking. I want him to fall for me as fast as I'm falling for him. After a while, his voice cuts out, and I wonder what they're up to.

I don't have to wait long to find out. Hunter walks into the kitchen and sits down on a stool facing the island where I'm putting together the lasagna. He doesn't say anything, so I continue what I'm doing. Well, that's not entirely true. I can feel his eyes following me as I move around in his kitchen.

"I thought you said you didn’t cook?”

"Oh, I'm good at following directions."

One of his eyebrows goes up, making him look like a cartoon character trying to waggle his eyebrows, but only one moves up. I try to contain my smile and keep layering ingredients on the baking dish.

"What else can you make?"

"I can handle most Italian dishes. Do you like Italian food? You didn't say anything at the store while I was getting the ingredients."

"It's my second favorite after Mexican food."

"Oh, I know a few recipes you might like." Tacos. I can manage tacos.

"Are you going to be my cook while you stay here?"

He's smiling, so I know he's joking, but the idea has merit.

"Perhaps I should."

"I was just joking, Elena. That looks great, by the way."

I put the finishing touches on the lasagna and cover it with foil paper. The oven is preheated and ready to go. I go to grab the baking dish when Hunter steps in front of me.

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