Page 27 of Taking Chances in Cedarwood

“Nope.” He wasn’t sure what the thing looked like.

“This.” Andrew held up the implement. “I’ll take the skin off the cuke, but watch me and stir the pasta.”

“Can do.” He watched Andrew, intrigued by his actions. Within seconds, it seemed like Andrew had the cucumber skinned and in pieces. Seeing him take charge was sexy.

“I’ll get the colander out.” Andrew dug in another drawer. When he bent over, he gave Cain a delicious view of his ass.

Cain stirred the pasta, but he couldn’t decide if he should pay attention to the pot or Andrew’s ass. Suds formed in the pot and bubbled high. “Andrew?” He had the feeling this bubbling wasn’t supposed to happen.

“Shit.” Andrew turned the heat down. “Keep stirring. I forgot this is fresher pasta and there’s a higher starch content in this brand. That’s why it’s frothing.”

“Oh.” He never knew there was starch in spaghetti.

Andrew placed a jar on the counter. “We’ll add sauce when it’s cooked. Here.” He used a spoon to capture a piece of the pasta. “I do the taste test to see if it’s done, but I like mine cooked part of the way through. It’s pasta al dente and I don’t care.” He ate the piece. “See?” He held up the end of the strand. “See how there’s a little uncooked bit in the middle?” He turned off the burner.

“Like it’s not quite done?”

“Yeah. It’ll keep cooking after we drain the water.” Andrew tucked the knife into the smaller basin of the sink. He pulled a bowl from the cupboard. “Mix the greens in this with the tomatoes and cukes. I’ll drain this.”

“Yes, sir.” He did as told, and pride swelled in his mind. “I made a salad.”

“Simple one, but you did.” Andrew smiled. “Looks good.”

“Yeah?” He wanted to photograph his work and add it to his resumé.

“Just put the bowl on the table. The dressing is in the fridge.” Andrew moved the pot to the sink and poured out the pasta. Steam billowed.

Cain placed the bowl on the table. He found the dressing in the door of the fridge. When he glanced over his shoulder, he spotted Andrew mixing the pasta and sauce. The act impressed him. He never would’ve thought to make such a meal for himself. He’d have ordered out or had someone else make it.

“I’ve got parmesan cheese, too. Do you want pepper flakes?” Andrew carried the pot and potholder to the table. “Cain?” He returned to the kitchen and stopped in the doorway. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” The moment was bittersweet. “No one who wasn’t a servant has ever cooked for me.” It was a small gesture and touched him. “The women I’ve dated weren’t big on cooking and I’ve never had a boyfriend before.” He held on to the back of the kitchen chair. “I know that sounds dumb.”

“It doesn’t.” Andrew crossed the room and embraced him. “We made this. It wasn’t all me.” Andrew let go and opened a tall cupboard. “All I have to drink is milk and water. I need to pick up lemons to make lemonade.” He withdrew two cups and two bowls, then retrieved silverware from a drawer. “Ready?”

“I’m starved.”For you.He followed Andrew to the table. His stomach rumbled. Yes, he was hungry for dinner, but also for his boyfriend. Once Andrew had poured the milk, he sat across from Cain. The tenderness and simple domesticity of the moment washed over Cain.This must be what families do every day.He ate in silence. The food appealed to him, but the company was the best. He finished in no time and scooted a few inches from the table. His belly was full, and his soul was renewed. He just needed sex and he’d be complete.

“Good?” Andrew finished. “I should’ve bought some wine or beer. It’s just me most of the time, and I hate drinking alone.”

“It’s perfect.” He left his spot at the table and cleaned up. Wouldn’t his friends laugh at him for cleaning? He hated doing any kind of manual labor, but with Andrew, he’d done lots. He carried the plates to the sink, and Andrew carried in the glasses.

“Thanks.” Andrew tucked the extra pasta into a plastic container. “Lunch tomorrow.” He popped the container into the fridge.

“Smart.” Cain lingered at the sink. “Now what?”

“I should do the dishes.” Andrew grasped Cain’s hand. “Come here.” He led Cain through the house to the second floor. “You’re a dirty guy. Sweaty.”

“I did work.” He ventured into the bathroom after Andrew. “Gonna clean me up?”

“I am.” Andrew’s eyes flashed. He removed his shirt and shoved his pants down to his ankles. In seconds, he stood nude before Cain.

Not a tattoo anywhere in sight.Cain’s mouth watered. He noted the few scars sprinkled on Andrew’s body. Andrew had done work to keep his body in shape and the scars were reminders of his experiences.So sexy.Anticipation filled Cain’s mind. He yanked his shirt off and his nipples beaded. He couldn’t wait to lick Andrew all over.

Andrew ducked into the shower stall. “I’ve been waiting for this all day.” He turned the water on and tipped his face into the spray.

“The shower?” Cain teased. He unzipped and shoved his pants, along with his boxer briefs, down his legs. He looked forward to being with Andrew. Blood rushed to his dick. He stroked himself.

“Yes.” Andrew grinned. “I’ve looked forward to the shower, but mostly you.”

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