Page 133 of Make Me Yours
He slides his arms around my waist from behind before pulling me into him and pressing a kiss against the side of my neck just below my ear.
“Mmm,” I say, tilting my head as goose bumps rise along my skin. “Twice wasn’t enough for you last night?”
“Nope.” He nips my neck lightly. “Might need a third this morning to tide me over until after practice.”
With a laugh, I wiggle out of his arms, handing him a plate with an egg cup. “You’re insatiable. Here, try this and tell me what you think.”
He raises an eyebrow and bites into the muffin. “Holy shit,” he says around a mouthful. “This is incredible.”
My smile stretches wider. “Really?”
“Absolutely.” He grabs another before I can stop him, already chewing. “You’re gonna ruin me, you know that?”
I tuck a strand of stray hair behind my ear and lean back against the counter. Nerves flutter in my belly as I blurt, “So, I had an idea. That’s why I got up early.”
His gaze flicks to mine. It’s steady and attentive. “Yeah? What kind of idea?”
I bite my lip. “What would you think if I started making healthy meals and snacks? You know, for people who are health-conscious, athletes, or busy professionals. Like meal prep, protein treats, baked goods with macros in mind.”
He watches me without interrupting, which only makes me more nervous.
“I’ve always loved to cook. And after everything with the law firm… I just don’t think I want to go back. I don’t know if I ever really wanted it in the first place.” I steady myself and say what I’ve been holding in. “But this? Cooking? It makes me feel likeme. And I think I could be really good at it.”
Steele doesn’t say anything for a second, just keeps chewing as his gaze stays locked on mine.
And then he smiles. “I think it’s a great idea, Lilah.”
“You do?”
“Of course. You light up in this kitchen.” He glances around the room and gestures to the counter, the food, and Waffles, who’s still snoozing in the corner. “I’ve never seen you more in your element. Now’s the perfect time to take a leap and go after something that makes you happy.”
Emotion swells inside me. Before I can stop myself, I launch forward and wrap my arms around him, hugging him tight.
His arms lock around my waist and his chin drops to rest on my head.
“You’re always so damn supportive,” I mumble into his shirt. “How did I get so lucky?”
“I’m the lucky one,” he says, dropping a kiss on the top of my head.
When I finally pull back, he grins. “You should make a batch of whatever you’re planning next, and I’ll bring it to the arena. We can let the guys try it.”
“You’d do that?”
“Hell yeah. If they like it, you’ve got yourself an early focus group.”
I beam. “Okay. I can do that.”
“Of course you can.” He taps my nose. “Now, how long do I have before the timer for your next batch goes off?”
“About twenty minutes.”
“Perfect.” He reaches for a granola cookie and gives me a mischievous look. “That’s enough time to drag you back to bed.”
I laugh. “Steele…”
“You’ll be my dessert,” he teases.
Waffles meows from the corner.
