He kissed her temple again. “Later.”
“But—”
He lifted his nose in appreciation. “Do I smell…” His eyes met hers and he grinned. “It’s not possible. Is it? Did you make apple pie?”
A bright smile replaced the argument on her lips. “Maybe.”
He grabbed her hand and headed toward the kitchen. “You couldn’t have cooked it that fast.”
“You’re right. It’s still in the oven. But it will be ready in about forty minutes.”
He smacked his lips. “I don’t know if I can wait that long.”
Jessica laughed. “I don’t think you have a choice.” She leaned into him as they continued toward the kitchen. “Your mom is making lasagna for dinner.”
“Perfect.”
He needed to find a way to keep her mind off his little trip with his brothers, so he led her to the parlor. “I have an idea how we can endure the wait.” Ian grabbed a book from the bookshelf and handed it to her.
She read the title and wrinkled her nose. “You like romance?”
He shrugged. “Who doesn’t?”
Jessica rolled her eyes. “They’re not realistic at all. I much prefer mysteries.”
Ian chuckled, leading her to the couch. She sat down, and he sat beside her. “Maybe you haven’t given them a fair chance.” She stared at him with a funny kind of look on her face. Her silly grin said she didn’t believe him, but her eyes said she’d play along.
Jessica opened the first page, took a deep breath, and began to read. “This is my favorite book in all the world, though I have never read it.”
Ian closed his eyes and smiled. His father had read himThe Princess Bridewhen he was a kid. He had no doubt whatsoever she would love it as much as he did.