Page 24 of True Soil-Mates

I nod, then my tongue darts out to lick his finger, which makes his eyes sparkle.

It takes a few seconds for me to pull in enough air to speak. “I love you, too. What does that do to your dataset?”

Now it’s his turn to drop the spatula as he scoops me up, sits me on the kitchen island, and wraps my legs around his waist. Every single kiss between us has been memorable, but this one would knock my socks off if I weren’t already barefoot. It’s as if every logic circuit in my brain has grabbed its coat, said “Yeah, I’m out” and left the building.

I whimper as the kiss deepens, his hands gripping my back, my hips, pulling us closer.

“So hot,” he growls, nuzzling my throat, then dipping his head to kiss along the top of my breast right through the tank top that I liberated from a pile of his gym clothes. “In my kitchen,cooking my food, wearing my stuff, telling me you love me… Baby, you just made me the happiest man alive.” He rasps out another groan as his head dips to pull my nipple between his lips. “I know that probably sounds possessive as hell, and I’m not even sorry.”

“It’s okay… I like it,” I manage to breathe, my fingers slipping into the back of his hair.

The coffee maker plays another upbeat tune, making Alex chuckle. He picks me up, setting me back on my feet. “I don’t want to ruin your lovely breakfast. But I think after we drink all this filthy coffee, we’re going to have to shower again.” His eyebrows bounce up and down, making me laugh.

He tosses the spatula from the floor into the sink. After I grab a clean one, I use it to give his tight ass a bit of a smack. “My boyfriend is a freak.”

He clutches his heart. “Hearing you say that is amazing.”

“What, freak? I’ll make sure to do that more often.”

“I meant the boyfriend part.”

“Oh. Sorry, I haven’t had coffee yet.”

By the time we finish breakfast, we can’t stop grinning at each other like maniacs. “Best morning ever,” he murmurs, sipping the last of his coffee.

“Almost perfect.”

Alex pouts. “What could possibly make it any better?”

“When you have that herb garden, I’ll be able to use fresh oregano in the omelet. I promise you’ll taste the difference.”

“I love that you’re obsessed with plants.”

“I love that you’re obsessed withme.” Reaching out, I squeeze his hand. “Also, I love you.”

“And I love you, my beautiful plant girl.” He sighs, shaking his head. “I know in my gut that we belong together, but we’re going to make kind of a weird couple, aren’t we?”

“The weirdest. I’m looking forward to it.”

16

ALEX

* Four Months Later *

Iwould never have dreamed that the highlight of my week would be cooking dinner for my incredible girlfriend.

I’ve started leaving an hour early every Friday and told the rest of my staff to follow suit. I know it’s a great relief to Carol, and the employees enjoy getting a jump start on their weekend. Since Jasmine usually works a bit late on Fridays finishing up orders that need to be delivered over the weekend, I make dinner.

I’m checking the pasta with my back to the front door when I hear it open and close quickly. “Just five minutes!” Jasmine disappears down the hall before I can even turn around.

She always takes a lightning-quick shower after work, having explained to me that dirt is one thing, but sticky plant sap and wood chips are really annoying if left unchecked.

Six minutes later, I’m plating the dinner, pouring the wine, and lighting the candles. Jasmine comes out with her damp hair up in a messy topknot, wearing one of my t-shirts that hangslike a dress on her. “I know it’s date night, but I feel like being comfy.”

I motion toward my old stretched-out t-shirt and jeans. “Perfect.”

We begin to eat and chat about our days, and she mentions having to go across town on Monday to pick up some specialty hardware for a piece she’s making.

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