Page 57 of Sunkissed Colorado

“You know exactly what you’re doing. You’re staring.”

“Like the way you stare at my butt when I’m turned around? Hearthstone does have mirrors.”

Her mouth dropped open. But she didn’t deny it. “This is work-related,” she repeated. “So behave.”

“I will if you do.”

Inside the house, it was cooler, and the sound of the TV came from the living room. “Cal?” a deep voice called out. “That you? Did you bring food?”

I tilted my head at Zandra and lifted my eyebrows. “Roommates,” I whispered, then raised my voice. “Yes, I brought food. No, it’s not for you.”

My roommate Connor rounded the corner, stopping short when he saw who else was here. “Oh. Hey. You’re Zandra Alvarez.”

“I am.”

“I remember you from way back. Silver Ridge High, right? I’m Connor.” He was in athletic shorts and a tee with the sleeves cut off. Ran a hand through his shoulder-length hair, and I swore he fucking flexed.

Really?

Darius came out of his room next, striding over and holding out his hand. At least I could count on him for being a gentleman. “Hi, I’m Darius.”

“Hey. Zandra. I work with Callum.”

“We know,” both Connor and Darius said.

They walked into the living room, while I carried the grocery bags over to the kitchen.

“Cal talks about you all the time,” Connor said.

“Does he now?” Zandra glanced over at me.

“Oh yeah,” Darius added. “Zandra this, Zandra that.”

Traitors.

Peering into one of the bags, I took out the football gnome and set him on the kitchen island with a smile. I doubted I’d ever received a better gift than this weird little figurine with its pointy helmet. Just because Zandra had given it to me.

Because she’d beenthinking of me.

“What are you and Cal up to today?” Connor asked in the living room, sidling closer to her.

“He won’t tell me. Supposedly it’s work-related.”

“He’s working on his day off, now?” Sarcasm was thick in Connor’s tone. “That’s not usually what Callum gets up to in his free time.”

Okay. Enough with the friendly introductions.

I went back to the living room and hooked Zandra’s waist. “We’re going to get started now.”

Darius stood with his arms crossed, looking amused, while Connor was studying Zandra with way too much interest. “Can I help?” Connor asked.

“No,” I growled. “Stay out of the kitchen.”

FIFTEEN

Zandra

Once we werein the kitchen, Callum announced, “We’re cooking.”