Page 50 of In Good Company

I nod. I probably won’t ever be making this dish again, but she doesn’t need to know that. Maybe I will one day just to reminisce about making it with her. I’ll remember the way she smiled at me when I followed her directions correctly. Or the way she blushed when my arm would brush against hers.

I won’t forget any of it.

Lucy slides the pan into the oven and quickly shuts the door. Her eyes meet mine, and for a moment, the rest of the kitchen fades away. I see nothing but her as she pulls her bottom lip between her teeth to fight a smile.

“I think it’s going well,” she whispers, her cheeks getting pinker by the second.

Fuck. I love the way she blushes so easily.

I’d love to see what other parts of her body flush because of me.

I squeeze my eyes shut for a moment, trying not to think of her like that right now. I need to keep my thoughts under control. If I don’t, I’ll do something stupid like lift her onto thecounter and make out with her again. Except this time, there’s no one here to catch or stop us.

“It’s going better than well,” I tell her. “Since the moment we started, you’d never know you don’t like being recorded. You’ve done amazing guiding me—and your future audience—through the recipe.”

She walks from the oven to me. Her palm finds the countertop as she rests some of her weight against it. “Well, you’re not done with your lesson quite yet. I’ve still got some things to teach you…if you’re okay with that.”

I swallow, my mouth suddenly feeling incredibly dry. Thoughts run through my mind like a damn freight train of all the things I’d love to teachher. None of them have anything to do with cooking, making them inappropriate at this moment.

“I’m here as long as you want. Use me however you need.” My words come out more and more rough with each one that leaves my mouth.

I turn away from her, having to adjust myself for a moment at the mental picture of ways she could use me. “Would you like some wine before we start the next part?” I rush to get my words out, trying to put as much distance between us as possible.

I thought it’d be easier for me to push my burning attraction to her aside. I didn’t think it’d be too difficult to be a good student and pretend that the taste of her lips didn’t haunt my thoughts all weekend. But it’s harder than I thought it’d be. Maybe a few minutes away while I pick out a bottle of wine will help me get my thoughts straight.

“Everything okay?” Lucy asks from behind me, not answering my question. I keep my back to her as I take a deep breath to stifle my desire for her.

“Yes,” I answer hoarsely. “Just thought it’d be the perfect time for a glass of wine.”

I can’t see her reaction to my words. But I can hear her deep breath. “Wine would be perfect. Whatever you think will pair well with the chicken parmesan and fresh spaghetti.”

I nod, hoping she can see it even with my back to her. “I’ll be right back,” I respond, rushing away to give myself a moment to compose myself.

As I fuss over what bottle of wine will pair perfectly with this meal, I come to the terrifying realization that I don’t just want Lucy at this point. Ineedher. I’m desperate for more.

More of the press of her lips against mine.

More of seeing a blush creep across her cheeks.

More of getting to know her.

More of her soft giggles.

Or more of her letting me inside that beautiful mind of hers.

I’m intrigued by everything she does, dying to know whatever she’ll share with me. Now, all I can hope is that maybe she’ll realize she wants the same things as me.

Maybe she’ll want more.

TWENTY-SEVEN

LUCY

The first glass of wine took the edge off being around Cal.

The second glass of wine was probably a mistake.

I’m still fully aware of every decision I’m making. The problem is the wine has cleared my mind just enough that all I can focus on is the man sitting next to me at the kitchen island.

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