Page 35 of The Interception
She nods but remains quiet.
“Are we okay?” I ask, my voice dropping lower than I’d like.
“Yeah, I think we have enough groceries here to work out something we both—”
“I mean you and me. Areweokay?”
Her eyes flutter up to meet mine. Sincerity floods her gaze, so clear and inviting I’m beginning to question my sanity. I should throw the whole dish away and make whatever she wants, even if it’s notmyfavorite.
“Yes,” she whispers.
“Okay, what do you want to make?”
“Actually,” Leo raises a finger and steps into the kitchen. “I had a thought. What if he left the cinnamon out and you do this?” He opens the bowl of pasta Layne brought, scoops it onto a plate, then drops a scoop of chili on it. He shrugs and adds, “I’m from Cincinnati.”
Layne smacks her forehead. “Of course! It blends your favorite and mine. But seriously, you gotta ax that cinnamon.” She feigns a gag.
“All right, all right. I’ll make more. Want to help me?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
Leo and Sarah Beth head to the living room because it seems Leo isn’t going anywhere until he taste-tests what we come up with. It’s fine by me. He keeps my sister company, giving me the opportunity to flirt with Layne and make up for my previous idiocy.
“Okay, here’s what I need. Ready?”
Layne opens the cabinet door and dutifully pulls out the spices I list off while I clean up the mess I made.
Chapter Sixteen
Layne
I’m almost positive thatEnder has no clue his good friend has feelings for his sister. Frankly, it’s probably good that he doesn’t know, considering the circumstances, but it seems Leo isn’t acting on his feelings either. Also probably a good thing. Leo seems like a solid man, someone that would be a nice match for Sarah Beth, but she’s nowhere near ready to consider dating, let alone getting involved with someone who is friends with her brother.
Still, I can’t help but notice that Sarah Beth seems at ease with Leo. Since it’s really none of my business, I shift my focus back to Ender who is, willingly, changing up a few things in his chili recipe to please me. He’s also flirty, which should make me giddy, but instead, it confuses me even more.
“Here, taste this.” He spoons up some of the chili and offers it to me. I reach for the spoon, but he moves it closer to my mouth. There’s something about him feeding me that I’m not ready for, so I back up and take the spoon.
Without the cinnamon it’s so much better. It’s not my brother’s chili, that’s for sure, but Ender’s is just as good in adifferent way. It’s more smokey and dark than Andrew’s…whose chili could strip the skin cells right out of the inside of your mouth. I’m a girl who likes spicy food, but even I sweat halfway through a bowl.
“This is really good. Can we add some fire-roasted tomatoes? I think that will add another layer of flavor and really kick it into first-place worthy.”
Ender chuckles. “You do realize my original recipe helped me win first place already, right?”
“So you said.” I drop the spoon in the sink and grab up a few dirty dishes and utensils.
“We should probably get over to the stadium. This is due in about an hour.”
I check my watch. “Yeah, you’re right.”
“Oh, can never get tired of hearing that, especially from you.” Ender leans close to nudge me with his shoulder while rearranging dishes in the drain. “I’ll get it into containers while you finish up here, okay?”
Nowhe wants to check everything with me. I feel bad about the small disagreement we had earlier, but I was annoyed. No one likes to keep feeling insignificant, and when it comes to cooking, I keep getting lambasted with little things that make me feel inadequate. It’s probably a me problem, and I’m taking everything too much to heart. Wouldn’t be the first time I let my feelings get away from me.
“All right, I’m done. I guess Leo is hanging out for a bit. Wanna ride with me or take separate vehicles?”
“Uh, I’ll drive so I can head back to the house after. That way you can spend some time with your sister and friend.”
Ender puts down the container and steps closer. “You know you’re welcome around here, right?”
