Page 54 of Love, Untangled

“Thanks, dude.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” the other man warned. With a wave, he headed out the door.

Carlo studied the various coffee accoutrements behind the bar until Eva called him over. “I threw in an extra maple bar because I know Pen likes them. Tell her to stop by soon. I like having her around.”

Carlo’s face lit up. “Yeah, me too.”

Eva laughed. “Go romance your girl, tiger.”

He winked. “That’s my plan.”

* * *

Carlo arrived back at the house, heart thumping at the thought of Penelope’s sunny smile. He strode into the kitchen, ready to tell her about his training…and immediately recoiled at the smell of burned eggs.

“I’m so sorry,” Penelope said. She fluttered around the kitchen, opening windows, turning on the fan, shutting off the kitchen faucet.

“Um, why are you sorry?” Carlo asked, waving a hand in front of his nose.

“I made egg charcoal,” Pen admitted, still trying to wave off the noxious smoke.

He grinned, which turned into a laugh. “You really are a terrible cook.”

She dropped her chin to her chest. “I am. I don’t understand how you make it look so effortless.”

“Well, I don’t stress about it like you do.”

“Because I always mess up! This was the worst disaster yet,” she wailed.

He set the bag of baked goods and the coffees on the counter before he slid in closer, caging her between his arms. He nuzzled into her neck, pressing small, soft kisses there. “But you got up early to make me breakfast.”

Pen tipped her head to the side. “I did.”

“That was very thoughtful.”

“Seems like you had the same idea,” Pen said, tipping her chin toward the goodies.

“I did. You’re sweet and deserved something sweet.” He rolled the tip of his tongue along the tendon. She quivered a little even as she pressed more tightly against him.

“I’ll clean the pan,” she said with a sigh.

“I’ll let you. I hate cleaning up.”

“That’s perfect, then. I love to tidy.”

He smiled against her neck. “Very convenient that we complement each other so well.”

“I’m really sorry about breakfast.”

“No harm. We have something tasty to eat.”

She wrinkled her nose. “On the porch?”

“Good idea.”

He slid his nose along her jawline, loving how she quaked with need. He gripped the edge of the counter tighter. This was still new. Penelope was young and didn’t have a lot of experience in relationships. Much as he wanted to love her instead of eating breakfast, they’d need to talk about what came next, what they wanted. What he’d be able to offer her emotionally.

He pulled back, hovering over her, staring down into her big, soft brown eyes. He was all in—spice be damned.

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