Page 38 of Midnight Dissonance

She gifted him with a genuine smile when he lifted his mouth. And it was like he took a blow to the head. She made him dizzy with how much he wanted her. And he knew it had to be the fecking Ryan click. Even his ex-wife never made him feel this way.

Was this how his cousins felt when they met their wives? He and his brothers had given them shite over it. But he regretted it now because, rest assured, this was his karma.

“What?”

“I just like looking at you, lass. You’re so fucking beautiful.”

A pink blush spread into her cheeks, charming him further. It made him want to hoist her over his shoulder and cart her back to the bedroom. But he also had to make sure she ate. He tucked a lock of her silken hair behind her ear.

She sighed. “If you keep doing that, we’re never going to eat. And I’m starving.”

“Let me help.”

“Okay. Rinse and slice up the strawberries. I just need to finish the batter and pop the bacon in the oven.”

“And what did you decide we’re having?” He headed over to the sink, grabbing the carton of strawberries on his way.

“Cinnamon pecan pancakes, bacon, and strawberries.”

His stomach growled. “Sounds bloody fantastic.”

They spent the next thirty minutes getting breakfast cooked. And they slid into a rhythm like they had been doing this their whole lives. Given the way their relationship began, the ease with which they slid into domesticity was remarkable.

Yet he liked it. He could see them doing this together every weekend. And he knew eventually they would move into a house. Because kids should have a yard to play in and a dog, maybe a cat or two. And this place, as much as he loved it, wasn’t conducive to having a family.

He knew it was soon, but the bloody click had him imagining all sorts of things he never did with any other woman. Like kids, family, the white picket fence, and everything that it entailed. It was a dream for his life he thought had died long ago.

All it took was her entrance into his world to upend every notion and resurrect dreams he thought had turned to dust long ago.

They seated themselves on the other side of the kitchen island, side by side on the barstools, and he took a bite of pancake. And groaned at the nutty cinnamon flavor.

“Where the hell did you learn to cook?”

“It’s something I’ve always had an affinity for because I like food.” Lexi shrugged and took a bite of her own food.

“Yeah, but this is on the same level as my cousin, Colin. Have you talked to him about your cooking skills?”

She frowned. “Why would I? It’s not like I want to be a chef.”

“I’m not talking about that. But I’m sure he would pay you for some of your recipes. And he would pay a hell of a lot more than the Java Hut.” He made a mental note to contact Colin. Josh was certain if he tasted Lexi’s cooking, he’d be begging her for some of her recipes. That grilled cheese last night had been epic. And breakfast this morning wasn’t that far off.

“Hmm. I’ll think about it.”

“Do. Because this is bloody amazing.” He lit into the meal, stuffing himself. It was so exceptional, he went back for seconds, not minding the extra calories because he had every intention of burning it off today—in bed.

Lexi finished before he did. And he watched her while he finished as she moved about his kitchen. Her every move was sensual. And seeing her in his shirt made him feel primal. He wanted to mark her in every way.

And they were only at the tip of the iceberg with his fantasies. But he wanted to know hers. He washed the meal down with his coffee and rose from his seat. Now that they had refueled, it was time for the next round.

He carried his plate and mug over to the sink, where she was putting dishes in the dishwasher. It was such a homey, wifey task.

And for the first time since his marriage went south, he didn’t cringe at the thought of getting hitched.

“Let me get those from you.” She took his plate and mug, rinsed them, and then put them in the dishwasher.

“You can leave the rest.”

“Just let me soak this dish, and I’ll be done. You know, just because you have money doesn’t mean you should be careless with your things.”

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