Page 15 of Stealing Forever

“It’s not peppermint. It’s chocolate,” she tells me, matter-of-factly.

“Oh? Chocolate, huh? I thought I tasted something a little bitter.”

She wrinkles her nose, and I can’t help but laugh. Reaching over I boop it with the tip of my finger.

Abruptly, she stands. “I’m hungry.”

“Your dad’s almost done cooking, I think. Should we go check on him and see if he’s doing a better job in the kitchen than we do?”

She nods and reaches for my hand, and I let her pull me, making a show of standing up, pretending like it’sherstrength bringing me to my feet.

Together, we walk down the hall, crossing the bottom floor to the kitchen, where the aroma of savory scents is much,muchstronger. As if on cue, there’s a telltale rumble in my belly.

“Perfect timing, ladies.” Declan moves a large pot from the stove to a hot pad on the counter, smiling at us as I help Sailor onto one of the stools at the island then take the one next to her.

“Can I do anything?”

“No, everything’s good to go. Figured we could dish up buffet style.” He tips his head toward the food set out in a line.

“Perfect. I’ll dish Sailor.” Sliding off my stool, I push hers in more. “Don’t move, I don't want you to fall.”

“What are you drinking? Beer? Soda? Sparkling water?”

“Sparkling water would be amazing, thanks.”

As I pick up two plates—one for me, one for Sailor—Declan opens the fridge, glass bottles clanging together as he pulls out our drinks. Water for me, juice box for her, and a beer for him.

When we’re settled around the informal dining table in the kitchen, I cut the tender smoked meat with my knife and it falls apart easily under the blade.

A moan floats past my lips when I taste it, unable to hold it in. It’s indescribable and I close my eyes briefly as flavor explodes on my tongue with this first bite. “Holy shi—smokes,” I catch myself. “This is amazing, Declan.”

“Thanks. There’s nothin’ like throwing it on the smoker.” His eyes light up as he watches me take another bite. “So, Hailey. I realized you’ve been helping me with Sailor for nearly three months now, and I barely know you. What do you do for fun?”

“Fun? With what time?” Snorting a laugh, I take another bite of my dinner, trying the potatoes. They’re divine, and I practically moan in delight.

Across the table, Declan’s face falls. “I know, I’m sorry my hours are so all over the place.”

“Oh, no! That’s not what I meant!” Guilt stabs me square in the chest. “I’ve been in college full-time since I graduated high school. There hasn't been much time for anything other than the college grind.”

The moment his expression changes to relief, the coil in my chest relaxes, too.

“I like to read,” I continue, shrugging, as I think about what else. “Spending time with family and friends before I moved away. Believe it or not, I’m actually a pretty good baker.”

“Oh, I believe it. You made cookies, remember?” He smirks, and it sends a spark through my body that ignites instantly under his stare.

A little swoop in my belly tells me the playful glint in his eye is absolutely intentional, and he’s remembering what I said last week.

Is he…flirting?

I think so.

It’s been so long since a man flirted with me, that I take a long drink of my sparkling water, averting my eyes. It’s easy to take the focus off him and shift my attention to Sailor, who chose the seat next to me. She’s done well with everything on her plate, but I take the fork from her tiny hand and move everything into tight piles so it’s easier for her to scoop her remaining bites.

I canfeelDeclan watching us, and without looking at him, I put the ball back in his court, my tone playful. “What doyoulike to do for fun?”

From my peripheral, he shifts in his seat, leaning back with his arms folded over his chest and a smirk on his face.

Once I’m done tending to his daughter, I sneak a glance.

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