Page 26 of Unexpected Temptation
Several minutes later, most of the eggs were in the bowl, some had slipped onto the counter, and a few were on the floor.Once again, her fingers were covered.
He showed her how to whisk the mixture, pour it into the pan, and use a flat spoon to stir until it was fully cooked.
By the time they sat at the table, the toast and bacon were cold, and there were still little bits of shell in the eggs.However, they both agreed it was the best breakfast they had ever eaten.Amelia was damn proud of herself because it was the very first meal she’d ever made, even though it wasn’t perfect.
“Do you think you’re going to want to try that again?”
Amelia swallowed and took a quick sip of juice.
“Absolutely.I want to be able to make whole meals by myself.I’ve always had an interest.I tried so many times to be in the kitchen at home.I asked our cook questions, but I always got kicked out, and my parents would lecture me about my place in society.”She stopped and rolled her eyes.“I never understood their attitude.”
“I’ll teach you what I know, but I think we should get a cookbook for you, and we can experiment.”
“I’d like that very much.”She took another bite and felt the crunch of a piece of eggshell, made a face, and laughed.“I’ll do better next time.”
Jaylen chuckled.“I don’t mind.I thought it added texture to the eggs.”Then he took another bite.
Amelia snorted.
Jaylen showed her how he cleaned up the breakfast dishes before he pulled her to the back door.
“I don’t have any boots small enough, so you’re going to have to wear your damp sneakers.I won’t have you out for very long.”
Jaylen waited for her as she sat on the low bench, tied her shoes, and stood.
He pulled a sizeable gray poncho from one of the hooks and pulled it over her head.He smiled and shook his head when the poncho covered her, and still had a few inches dragging on the floor.She looked even smaller with one of his coats on.
“This will keep the rest of you dry and warm.
Jaylen made sure her hood covered her before pulling on his own and then drew her out onto the back covered porch.He bent his knees and turned his back to her.
“Hop on my back.”
Amelia took a startled step back and shook her head.
“What?No.I can walk...”
He looked over his shoulder.
“I know that, Sweetheart, but the yard is muddy and full of puddles, and I don’t want you getting wetter than you already are.Now stop arguing and climb on.”
“But...”
He looked over his shoulder.
“Amelia, now.”
The authority in his voice had her moving before she had a conscious thought.She gingerly climbed onto his back with his help.
Jaylen easily lifted her when Amelia moved behind him and clutched his shoulders, and then wrapped her arms around his neck.
“Good girl.”
She knew she should take exception to the attitude, but it only made her feel cared for.A gasp escaped when he stepped off the porch steps, and the rain hit her back.She waited for the cold to sear her, but only Jaylen’s warmth against her chest and the heavy poncho kept her warm and dry.She closed her eyes and rested her head against his shoulder as she took in his unique scent that drove her crazy.She shivered at the passion that hit her midsection.
