Page 18 of When Love Comes Home

This time, he answers after the first ring. "Hi, Katie," he says, his voice stirring something deep inside me. It’s unfamiliar, foreign, but strangely exciting.

"Katie?" he repeats, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Hi, Adam," I reply. "Are you busy right now?"

"I was about to make something for dinner," he says.

"Do you think you could come over?" I ask, hoping he doesn't turn me down.

"I'll be right there."

***

"Hi," I say as I open the door. He’s standing there in a simple white T-shirt, jeans, and work boots, somehow looking effortlessly perfect—like he just stepped off the cover ofPeopleas the sexiest man alive.

"Hi, Katie," he says, stepping past me into the house. Sheri’s words echo in my mind as the faint scent of his cologne surrounds me, warm and intoxicating. It wraps around me—magnetic, all-consuming. For a moment, I can’t help but think that something so alluring couldn’t possibly come from a bottle.

"Are you hungry?" I ask, aware he probably didn’t have time to eat before coming over.

"I'll just grab something when I leave," he says, his tone making it clear he doesn’t plan to stay long.

"Do you like spaghetti?" I ask. "I was about to make some for dinner, if you'd like to join me."

The look he gives me is a mix of disbelief and suspicion.

"Don't worry, Adam," I smile. "I'm not going to poison you."

"You're a mind reader now?" he jokes, throwing me a side-eye.

"I bet you're starved for a home-cooked meal," I say. "I would imagine you've been eating out every day since you moved back."

"I have a kitchenette in my suite," he replies. "I normally make something there."

"You enjoy cooking?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.

"I wouldn't go that far," he laughs. "I can make a mean sandwich, but that's about it."

"I'm going to teach you how to make spaghetti," I offer with a playful grin. "In fact, I'm going to sit right here and instruct you on exactly what to do."

I pull myself onto the center island and cross my legs, settling in as though I'm about to watch a live cooking show.

When he steps closer, coming within inches of me, my heart literally skips a beat.

"What am I doing here, Katie?" he asks, his voice stripped of any humor.

Chapter 9

Adam

Shesmiles,hergreeneyes locked on mine. I’m close enough to touch her, the scent of her perfume teasing my senses in the most intoxicating way. I shake the thought away.

"You invite me over," I continue, raising an eyebrow. "You’re being somewhat nice to me, and you’re offering me dinner? You’re definitely up to something."

"You caught me," she murmurs. "It’s guilt. Living out of a suitcase can’t be convenient or comfortable."

"Okay," I say, not arguing with her.

"But you’re doing it anyway," she says, leaning in slightly. She’s so close I can count the freckles dusting her nose. "Why?" she asks, making me lose count.

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