Page 51 of Volatile

He took her hand and led her down the hall, past the room she’d peeked in earlier. The door was now closed, and she refocused her eyes in front of her. She did not want to think about the painting inside. Was it still inside? She hated how that mystery woman made her feel, like all her organs were twisting around each other. There was no reason to care or be jealous. He didn’t owe her anything. Besides them sharing a mutual concern for helping Lily and a freaky amazing chemistry, what else did they have? Not enough for her to feel this way.

Her stomach growled again as they neared the kitchen, bringing her attention back to the one organ that took precedence over everything else. She was starving, and the rest of her knotted up insides would have to take a back seat.

“Didn’t you tell me you ate not too long ago?” Jonathan asked.

She shrugged. “I guess it wasn’t enough.” Technically, she hadn’t lied when she’d told him that earlier, but a mini bag of pretzels could only go so far.

“Is leftover pasta okay? It’ll be quick.”

“Perfect.”

She sat down at the kitchen table while he prepared her a plate. His back was towards her, allowing her to take in an ample eyeful. She’d never had the chance just to gawk, and soon other body parts were giving her stomach a run for its money. The sight was delicious; that was the best way to describe it. Every guy she’d dated had been on the skinny side and muscle-challenged, but Jonathan.... If all of them were lined up next to him, they’d look like boys compared to the man standing before her.

She had to avert her eyes before he turned around. She’d focus instead on the mouth-watering smells wafting all around as the food heated.

“So, how do you like working for Cherise?”

“Oh, she’s wonderful.” Ivy glanced around his kitchen, the cute teddy bear cookie jar making her smile. “I love working there.” Please please please don’t ask about my other job... the one that sickens me.

“She has nothing but good things to say about you as well.”

“How do you two know each other? I’m assuming through Jacqueline?”

“Yes. Jacque and I have known each other since college. She’s a close friend.” He pulled a fork out of the drawer and carried her plate to the table. “When Cherise came into her life, I couldn’t have been happier for her.”

“I felt the same way, for Cherise.” Ivy had seen her go through a string of losers in the years that she’d worked there, until one day witnessing the beam on her face. The right one could do wonders.

Not that Ivy had any personal experience with that, but she could certainly live vicariously with the best of them.

“Can I get you some wine?”

“No, thanks. Just water, please.”

She forked up a mouthful, inhaling the aroma before stuffing her face. God, it was fantastic. Spaghetti and meatballs. So simple, yet so frickin’ delish. The fact that this man could cook made him even more of an enigma.

“I take it you approve.”

She took a breather to look up into his smiling face. He set down her water, then took a seat across from her. Ugh... she felt like a ravenous pig at the trough. At least she managed to hold on to a few manners; she wasn’t diving in face first and licking the plate clean yet.

“God, yes. I could eat your cooking every day.” She paused. Shit, that hadn’t come out right. Might as well tell him you’ve picked out the children’s names too. “I mean, it’s really good.”

He laughed. “I’m glad you like it.”

“You’re not eating?”

He leaned back. “No, I’m just going to enjoy while you do.”

Hmm... maybe he had a fetish for non-dainty eaters. If that were the case, he’d definitely get his jollies tonight.

Maybe she should have felt awkward, but she didn’t. It helped that she didn’t have any hang-ups eating in front of sexy men. He was quiet until she finished her meal. It was comfortable sitting there with him. Almost natural.

Ivy took a large sip of water. She could easily fit in more food, but she didn’t want to bloat herself. It was one thing to appease her belly and quite another to have to be rolled out of there. She wasn’t a total slob.

“Would you like more?”

“No, that was plenty. Thank you. It really was delicious.”

“Well then, since I’ve satisfied you, maybe you can satisfy me.”

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