Page 43 of Playing with Fire

She nodded, leaning back against her car. “Yeah, I saw that on the schedule. And I go to Maggie’s tomorrow morning?”

“Yeah, sorry for the chaotic change.”

“Nah, it’s fine. I get you guys planned this before hiring me.”

Disappointment landed in my gut at the realization that I wouldn't see her until tomorrow night, and it would only be for a few minutes before I’d have to leave for my shift. “Can I come by and take you to lunch tomorrow?”

She smiled and nodded. “I work at the hospital. My lunch break is at noon.”

I reached out and tucked her hair behind her ear, letting my fingers trail down the side of her neck. My lips lifted into a smirk as she shivered from the barely there touch.

“I can't wait to try the meatloaf.” I continued my path down her body, skimming over the side of her breast and the bare skin below where her crop top ended. “I bet it's delicious.”

Her breath hitched and I took another step forward. With a finger under her chin, I lifted her face as I leaned down and claimed her mouth, pulling her hard against my body with my other hand anchored to her waist.

It was dark now, and there were only a few cars left in the lot, but the last thing I wanted was for Izzy to be the subject of small-town gossip. Thankfully, the dark-tinted windows on my truck allowed us privacy, but standing out here by her car could be a problem.

Reluctantly, I pulled back and pressed my lips to her forehead. “Text me when you get home.”

“Okay.”

Her breaths came in small pants, and her cheeks still held a twinge of pink. I fucking loved it. I opened her car door, letting her climb in before shutting the door and stepping back. I stood there until she pulled out onto the main road.

The entire drive home, I replayed the way she looked straddling my lap as she moved against me—the way her cheeks flushed and her lips were red and swollen from my kiss.

The house was quiet. Too quiet. I wanted to invite Izzy back here. But I knew what that would lead to, and I didn't want to go there until I was sure. Or rather, until she was sure. Because yeah, I had my doubts, but they weren't about what I wanted. I'd been fighting this for almost six months, and now that I'd bulldozed through all the walls I’d put up, I didn't plan on changing my mind.

But Izzy might. Once she saw the limited amount of time I had outside of my job and the girls, she might decide I wasn't worth it. That thought sat heavy and uncomfortable in my gut.

I warmed up the meatloaf, and when my phone vibrated in my pocket, I pulled it out, pulling up the text thread with Izzy.

Izzy: I'm home.

Me: Good. I'm about to try your meatloaf.

I set my phone down and took the plate from the microwave before grabbing a fork. I looked down at the phone again when it vibrated on the counter.

Izzy: There's a small container of sauce in the fridge too. Make sure to put that on it.

After getting out the sauce and warming it, I spread it over the meatloaf and took a bite. Damn. My eyes rolled back in my head as I savored the taste. I picked up my phone and typed out another text.

Me: This is really good. Do you use a recipe? I like to save ones that both the girls and I like.

Izzy: Um, kinda. If I try something new I'll use a recipe, but after that I go off memory. But hold on, I think I can find the one I used for this years ago.

Izzy: *link to meatloaf recipe*

Me: Thanks.

I finished the food and washed the plate before grabbing my phone and heading into the great room. After turning the TV on, I relaxed back on the couch and typed out another message.

Me: What are you up to?

Izzy: Watching TV. You?

Me: Same.

Although the baseball game was playing and I was only half paying attention.

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