Page 25 of Relentless Hearts

She strained to hear something—anything going on in the lodge that might point to where Decker had gone.

After several minutes, she settled into her work again. But she didn’t make much progress when she heard him returning. This time his footsteps were accompanied by the soft clink of dishes.

He appeared in the doorway holding a tray that made her jaw drop.

“It’s ready.”

“What’s ready?” Even as she asked, the scent hit her—butter, vanilla, a hint of cinnamon. Her stomach issued a growl that Decker totally heard.

He set the tray down on the table beside her laptop and began gathering her files with careful efficiency. “Your french toast.”

She stared at the plate in shock. Thick slices of actual brioche were golden brown and dusted with powdered sugar. Fresh berries were arranged around the edges with a small pitcher of real maple syrup off to the side.

“You made bacon too! My favorite.”

“I pay attention.”

Her stomach tumbled for reasons other than physical hunger. She stared into his eyes. “I didn’t even know you could cook!”

“I may have raided Chef’s brioche stash. I’m sure he won’t mind.”

“Oh my god. You made a smoothie? With a cherry on top? Do I see blended strawberries in there?”

“You might.”

Shaking her head, she picked up her fork. The first bite was heaven, the bread perfectly custardy in the center just like she described, with a crispy exterior. She closed her eyes, savoring the vanilla on her tongue. An involuntary sound of pleasure burst out of her.

“Oh my god. What did you do to this french toast?”

A small smile teased at the corner of his mouth. “Secret trick.”

Leaning forward, she gave him a coy look. “Share?”

“It’s classified.”

“I thought I had clearance.” She batted her eyelashes in an exaggerated manner that made him chuckle. An honest-to-God chuckle from Decker Jansen that did dangerous things to her pulse.

“Clearance is a need-to-know basis only.”

“And I don’t need to know?”

“You need to eat.”

She picked up a blueberry and tossed it at him. To her shock, he ducked his head and caught it effortlessly in his mouth.

A laugh bubbled out, unexpected and totally carefree in a way she hadn’t felt for…well, a long time.

“Great catch.” She waved her fork at him.

He swallowed and arched a brow. “What can you do?”

The challenge in his voice sent a little thrill through her, a flicker of eagerness that spread like warmed honey through her insides.

She picked up the maraschino cherry from the top of her smoothie and popped it into her mouth, stem and all.

His eyes tracked the movement of her lips as she worked the stem around and around in her mouth, using her tongue to twist and manipulate it. When she opened her mouth and pulledout the stem, now tied in a perfect knot, his eyes darkened with something that had her pulse racing faster.

She set the stem on the tray. “Party trick I picked up.” She tried to sound casual despite the intensity building between them.