Page 32 of Pinch

“It’s my specialty.” I scoop the remaining sandwich onto my own plate and follow her out the side door to the porch, where we sit at the table under the twinkle lights.

“I made my special lemonade.” She places two glasses beside our plates.

“Really?” I take a big gulp from mine. “That’s really good. Did you use real lemons?”

Her head ducks, and she snorts a laugh. “It’s Country Time.”

“Aw,” I grin. “Got me.”

Soft music drifts from the speakers on the corners of the house. The dogs are out here with us, Spanky resting on his stomach with his head perfectly poised. The little one is curled at his side like a baby.

We both immediately start stuffing our faces.

“Oh, my gah!” She groans, leaning back and covering her mouth with her hand. “That’s so good!”

I grin, taking another bite of my own sandwich and thinking about how sexy that little groan sounded, thinking about how sexy it would sound with her on my lap, those perfect breasts bouncing in my face.

I’ve got to stop before I pop a boner. “Thanks.”

“You know, Gina’s a scientist too.” Her brow arches. “She’s a cynologist.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s the study of domestic dogs.” She takes another big bite, and I like watching her devour the food I made for her. “She had to learn all the different breeds, their behavior, human-dog interactions, their history…”

“That’s really cool. Maybe she could bring Spanky and that other one to a clinic.”

“Little kids love dogs.” She nods, polishing off her last bite.

“It’s true, they might be too distracted to play hockey.”

“Thanks for dinner. You’re a really good cook.”

“I think anybody can make grilled cheese.”

She stands, picking up her empty plate and mine and starting for the kitchen.

I’m on my feet at once, picking up our glasses. “I think it’s cool to live in a house full of smart women.”

She holds the door with her back, looking up at me. “Smart enough to pick some good eye candy for roommates.”

I pass in front of her, warmth in my stomach. “We even cook.”

“And move heavy stuff!”

We’re both at the sink, and I take the plates from her hands. “And catch you when you fall.”

My voice lowers, and she seems a little embarrassed. We’re standing so close here at the sink. The water runs, but I can’t break this moment. She lifts her chin, blinking up at me, and I’m ready to drop the plates, pull her into my arms, and devour those soft lips.

Leaning my face a little closer, she doesn’t pull away. Her scent of fresh jasmine surrounds me. Heat flares stronger with every heartbeat. Her tongue slips out to wet her bottom lip, and I can taste the cool lemonade we drank on my tongue.

I’m so close, but as if waking from a dream, she lifts her hand quickly, resting it on my chest like she’s holding me back.

“I’d better go to bed.” Her voice is raspy. “I have to get my beauty sleep.”

“You couldn’t be any more beautiful, Princess.”

A pretty shade of pink colors her cheeks. She picks up her little dog and with a soft goodnight, she leaves me wanting more.