Page 28 of Beyond Enemy Vows

His fingertips rub my hand holding the handle of the knife.

"Don't worry, Calli. I wouldn't let anything happen to your beautiful fingers," he says and grips my hands tight around the handle and positions it over one of the ripe tomatoes.

"Like this," he says, his breath warm against my ear. He guides me, showing me how to curl my fingers to avoid cutting myself.

I try to focus on what I’m cutting, the knife, the goddamn chopping block, but all I feel is him. The heat of his body. The strength in his hands. We're inches apart. My body sets on fire when his other hand comes to rest lightly on my hip, steadying me.

"You're doing it perfectly," he says, and my body tilts my neck, hoping for his lips. I don't even need to think about it, it just does it.

"Not bad," he says, his voice slightly rougher than before.

I turn to face him, leaning back against the counter. "I'm a quick learner. Especially when I have a good teacher."

His gaze drops to my lips for just a moment before snapping back to my eyes.

ToHe doesn't kiss me. He doesn't have to. I already feel myself buzzing with a feeling I haven't felt in a long time.

I swallow hard, trying to act unbothered, but it's impossible. I return to my wine and watch as he finishes everything.

I also think of our almost-kiss that just happened. It's the first time with him that if he would have done it, I'd have let him.

If he tries his luck, maybe Keira will get her wish after all.

The béchamel smells like heaven as he tops everything and slides the dish into the oven.

He grabs his phone and sets a timer. "So, we've got about 45 minutes," he says, wiping his hands on a dish towel.

"What do we do until then?" I ask, refilling both our glasses.

A slow smile spreads across his face as he steps closer, close enough that I have to tilt my head back to maintain eye contact.

"I've got an idea," he says and smiles, and I swear to God, that smile is going to be the end of me.

8

CALLI

"And what is that?" I ask, taking a sip of wine to hide my intrigue that's making me almost giggle.

"Maybe you could show me some of your moves."

"My what?"

"I know you train. I want to see it," he says, leaning against the island and crossing his arms. "Maybe I can even show you a few of my moves."

"Like, right now?"

"Why not?"

"Well, I'm in a dress, for starters."

"Ah," he says and pushes off the counter. "Sounds like excuses."

"What? No way," I say and lean in. "You want to spar?"

He shrugs. "Unless you're scared I'll beat you."

"Oh, it's on," I say, hopping off the stool. "I should warn you, I'm better than I look."