Invite me.
No hesitation.
I scoff, shaking my head, but the corner of my mouth betrays me with a smile. “You wish.”
“I do.”
He really needs to stop.
He steps closer, subtle but sure, like he’s closing a space I didn’t even realize I’d left open. His eyes stay on me, unwavering. “I’d love to see you cook.”
I let out a breathy laugh, softer than I meant it to be. “You think you can just walk in and I’ll cook for you?”
His grin deepens, and he moves even closer, the warmth of him blends into mine. “Pretty sure I can get whatever I want from you.”
Why am I smiling?
“Is that so?”
“Oh, it’s definitelyso.” His voice whispers now, a low sound that scrapes against my skin. His eyes flick to my lips, then back to mine,heated.
My breath catches as he takes another step forward. He’s right there, close enough that I feel every blink, every inch ofhis presence pressing into me. My pulse betrays me, quick and uneven, but I don’t move back. I won’t.
“You’re making thisreallyhard to resist,” I whisper, softer than I’d like.
“Good.” His voice is rough, like he’s barely holding himself back. “I don’t want you to.”
His breath mingles with mine. Then he exhales sharply and pulls back, straightening with a frustrated sigh.
His grin falters for a moment, before it slides back into place, cocky and amused.
“You’re killing me.”
You’re killing me too.
“Guess you’ll have to live with it,” I mutter, turning on my heel, my skin still burning from how close he was.
I feel his eyes on me, but I don’t turn back. Not yet. Not until my pulse stops racing.
But then… “Partner?”
His voice stops me in my tracks.
I glance over my shoulder. He’s still watching me, hands in his pockets, pleading, begging in a silent way to give him some attention.
“I meant it,” he says. “Invite me.”
A breath sticks in my chest.
It’s reckless.Stupid.
And I want to.
I shake my head, half at myself, half at him. But I don’t say no. I exhale, slow and steady. “Fine. But you’re doing the dishes.”
His chuckle is warm, satisfied. He steps beside me, his shoulder almost brushing mine. “I’ll take that deal.”
37