Page 27 of The Summer Dare
“What can I do to help with dinner?”
“If you want to open this, I’ll grab us some glasses and plates to dish up.”
“It smells amazing. Thanks again for cooking.”
Effortlessly, we move around the kitchen plating our food and filling our glasses.
When she sits at the bar, I follow suit. “So what else did you do today?”
Sighing, she looks to the ceiling. “Let’s see… after getting some beach therapy, I dropped off my things and went for a walk. When I got back, I talked on the phone with my sister Raven. I guess their plan is to arrive Friday, and both she and Sloane are scheduled to work this weekend.”
“They already have jobs lined up?” I ask in surprise.
“Yeah, they each have worked them the last couple of summers. Raven’s working at the ropes course here in town and Sloane’s a waitress at the Seaside Hotel.”
“What about Lizzy?”
“She’ll work at a local book shop. Nana set her up with the job last summer and since it’s slow in the winter, the owner’s looking forward to having her back this summer.”
Taking a bite of the chicken casserole, I moan as the savory flavor melts in my mouth. “Mmmm… I think I’m in heaven.” I’m not sure what I expected, but I wasn’t prepared for the cheesy combination of corn, broccoli, and mushrooms.
“Can you see why I don’t like to make it just for myself? I’d eat the entire pan.”
“You’ll certainly have some competition. I’ll definitely be having seconds,” I warn as I fork another piece of chicken into my mouth.
“Good,” she says with a laugh. “Nana always had the best recipes.”
“For the record, if you want to test any others, I’ll gladly volunteer to help you eat them.” Taking another bite, I muse at its perfection. “Damn. This puts any casserole my mom has ever made to shame—though, don’t tell her that.”
Smiling, she offers, “Don’t worry, your secret’s safe withme.”
“Mmmmm…. this is good,” Lanie says after trying the Puckering Pear.
“I told ya.” I grin before taking another bite. “It’s one of my favorites.”
For a few moments, the room fills with comfortable silence as we devour the food she’s prepared. Eventually, we make small talk. I tell her how the siding is coming along on the house and she fills me in on other recipes her nana made that she’d like to try. If any of them are half as delicious as this meal, I’m eager to taste them. Of course, I dish us each up seconds, as I’d predicted, and we continue our casual conversation.
When I can’t eat another bite, I push my plate away and ask, “Wanna clean up, then go for a walk?”
“God, I’m stuffed. My eyes are always bigger than my stomach when I eat this. Of course, it tastes so good, so I don’t notice until I’ve completely overindulged.”
“I see we have another thing in common.” I grin as I stand and take her plate to the sink to rinse it off. “Dishwasher clean or dirty?”
“Uh…” She stares at me for a second too long then says, “Dirty.”
“What’s that look for?” I finally ask when she’s still looking at me as if I’ve grown two heads.
Shaking her head, she mutters, “Just trying to see if you’re real.”
What the hell is she talking about? “Why wouldn’t I be?” I ask, reaching for the empty fruit bowl.
“Mmmm…” She purses her lips together as if she’s contemplating her words for a response. Then she suddenly shrugs. “You’re doing dishes.”
“Well, last I checked, you cooked. I ate, I can help clean up. It’s not like I’m a neanderthal that doesn’t know how to fend for himself. You’ll be shocked… I even do laundry, know how to clean toilets, and run a vacuum, too.”
She feigns fanning herself as if she might faint. “Now you’re just teasing me.”
Drying off my hands, I stalk over to where she’s now standing in front of the stove and place both hands on the counter at each of her sides, effectively pinning her in place. “Oh, I’m more than just a tease, trust me.” I rasp out much sultrier than I intend, as I slant my lips over hers.
