Page 27 of Unlocking Hope

“Can you take me by the other one this weekend? I want to see what it looks like before you guys perform your magic. It’s crazy how much a few things can change those houses, and pictures don’t do justice to what you guys do.”

Cole leaned over and brushed a hair out of her face. “You helped with the last one.”

Zoey closed her eyes and leaned in to his touch. “What did you say?”

Cole smirked, “I said you helped.”

“My arms still hurt from all that painting. Who needs a gym membership when you could take up painting?”

Cole rounded the counter, placed his hands on Zoey’s shoulder, and squeezed lightly. It felt so good. “Don’t stop.”

He leaned down and placed a kiss behind her ear, sending a shiver down her spine. Zoey let out a moan.

Cole ran his tongue along her ear. “I miss watching your ass sway at work while you used the roller. I only got half my work done when you were around.”

“I miss working with you, but not the physical labor,” Zoey replied.

“Enough about work. Let’s eat and have a fun weekend.”

Cole put his glass of wine down on the counter and walked back to the stove. He took a lasagna out of the oven, and the smell filled the kitchen.

“The smell alone is making my mouth water.”

“It should be good. I didn’t make it. I picked it up from the Italian restaurant on the corner.”

“Louie’s Lasagna?”

“Yes.”

Zoey jumped off the stool, walked over next to Cole, and wrapped her arms around him. He turned in her direction, and she pressed her lips to his. The kiss was soft.

He pulled back and rested his forehead against hers. “I love the attention, but what did I do?”

“Everything.”

Cole’s pupils dilated. She was hungry but not for food. She wanted her man, and him having dinner ready with flowers was a huge turn-on. She had never dated a man who did as much as Cole had for her. Most of them could barely open the door or pay for a meal.

“If you don’t step back, we will never eat.”

“I’m fine with eating later.”

“Zoey,” Cole ground out.

She smiled up at him, and she knew he’d decided to not worry about dinner.

“Well, I guess you will be my appetizer.”

She let out a loud squeal when he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her onto the counter. His hands pushed her dress up her thighs.

“Bedroom,” she breathed out between kisses.

Cole smiled against her lips. “I want my appetizer in the kitchen.”

Zoey blushed. She’d never been with someone in the kitchen. It sounded so dirty and turned her on even more. He deepened the kiss, and his touch on her legs was sending her over the edge. She wouldn’t last very long, and she was completely dressed.

She tried to scoot closer to the edge to rub against Cole, but he held her in place, not letting her move.

“Please,” Zoey murmured against Cole’s lips.

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