Page 115 of The Road Less Traveled By

A few seconds later, the two of us are at work, Emerson is dipping strawberries, and I’m stirring pasta. It pisses me off thatheis able to get them to stay on and not me. Is it because of how big my hands are? All I wanted to do was make something for Bree to cheer her up, and I couldn’t even do that without needing help.

Emerson and I work in silence for a few minutes until I hear Bree descend the stairs, and everything isn't set up yet.Shit.

Her blonde hair is the first thing I see. When I notice what she’s wearing—a black minidress, matching heels, and a big ass bow in her hair—my heart stops beating. “Hey guys! Something smelled good, so I hung up with Liv early. Can I help?”

Without taking my eyes off the girl who is somehow mine, I speak. “Emerson, get out.”

The second I hear the door shut, I rush her.

“You look absolutely beautiful, but I told you we were just doing a night in.”

“Liv told me to wear something cute, so I threw an outfit together. It only took like fifteen minutes, and I'm wearing your favorite color…” She trails off, her face turning pink.

I press a kiss to her lips. “I’ve already told you that my favorite color is the pink of your cheeks when I make you blush. And you wear that rather beautifully, too.” I pull one of the kitchen chairs out for her and motion for her to sit down. “I’m almost done. Just sit and relax while I plate this stuff.”

“Are you sure you don't need—” Bree tries to get up, but I stop her.

“Angel, I’ve got it. Just relax, okay?” She nods, and I can’t help what slips out. “Good girl.”

I can almost hear her cheeks flush as I turn to stir the pasta. A few minutes later, Bree turns on some music, and it plays softly in the background as I strain the food. I plate it, not beautifully, but when I sit down next to Bree, her smile lights up the entire room.

Making Bree Hart smile is one of my favorite things to do. Since I’ve known her, all she’s done is retreat inside her head. Being able to see that fucking smile means she’s out of her head and living in the moment.

“Thank you,” she says as I pour her some water. “This looks great.”

“It’s one of the only things I know how to make. Aria used to make it all the time.” I smile at the memories of Aria trying to help me study while she almost burned the house down.

“You don't have to answer if you don't want to, but what was it like when you were younger? I feel like you never really talk about your childhood.”

“Well, it was a long time ago. I am thirty-four years old, so I guess it feels like forever ago at this point.”

Bree tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s okay, Vince, I—”

“No, baby, it’s fine. I don't mind,” I tell her as I grab her hand resting on the table. “I had a good childhood. My family was like any othernormal family, I guess. My parents worked for a non-profit together, and they loved making a difference in our community.”

“That’s nice.” Bree smiles at me. “Where did you grow up?”

“Seattle. Really rainy place, and I don't regret leaving, because I’m not the biggest fan of the rain. Aria still lives there, so I go visit her every so often.”

“I love the rain. It’s perfect reading weather.” Bree smiles at me as I take a bite of the pasta. It tastes just how I remember it, and I love the way that so many different things can hold memories for a person.

“You know, you’ve never actually told me what your favorite book is. I’ve seen you reading a million things over the years, but I never knew which was your favorite.”

“It’s a hard question, Vince.” She pauses to take a bite and practically moans into her fork. I have to bite my lip, because I didn't do this just to have us end up in bed together.

When it comes to anything physical, Bree has all the power, and even that makes my dick hard. I like watching her take control and beg me for what she wants—what she needs.

“This is so good. It’s been a long time since someone other than Liv and Tristan have cooked for me.”

“Don’t expect it too often. I’m not the best chef, but I can follow a recipe. Though Emerson did have to help me with the strawberries and chocolate.”

“So that’s why he was here earlier. You couldn't figure out the skewers, could you?” Bree smirks, noting my struggles before I even voiced them.

“No, and I think you have magical powers because you make it look easy.”

“You can’t stab a simple strawberry, Vince? My big, strong boyfriend can’t stab a fruit with a skewer?” Bree is full on laughing in her chair, and I’m almost afraid she’s going to fall out of it.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it out. You’ve officially found something I can’t do.”

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