Page 25 of Two Canes, One Cup
She stops me with a palm on my wrist. “Thank you,” she whispers.
Then she raises onto her tiptoes, and presses her warm lips against my cheek. “I know you’re not a couple.”
There’s that mischievous glint again.
Hmm. Maybe my chance hasn’t quite passed?
My hand snakes out to wrap her waist. “Are you a naughty girl?” I breathe. “Or taunting me?”
Flicking my gaze between her azure irises, I see the flare of her pupils as she focuses on my mouth.
“I don’t know,” she exhales. “Both?”
With a groan, I release her before Reece comes back into the room.
She has a hint of wicked.
I like it.
Once her things are settled into my, er, her room, I pull down the chopping block to begin dinner.
This time, she doesn’t ask. She simply ties up her hair and moves next to me, taking over washing the vegetables as I pull them from the porch.
It doesn’t take long before everyone falls into an easy rhythm, the awkwardness of earlier forgotten.
When the veggies are all simmering in the pot, she stands in the kitchen with her hands on her hips, staring at the large decorative copper basins above the cabinets.
“Can I ask a favor of one of you tall, handsome men?” Her mouth tugs up into a playful smile. “I really,reallywould love a hot bath. Is there any way to get those down?” Pointing towards the vaulted ceiling, she waves her hand over her head. “I’m vertically challenged,” she laughs. “I have a step stool at home for this very reason.”
Reece stands, puffing his chest. “You need a tall handsome man at home.” He reaches, but falls short of grabbing the handle.
With a muted grumble, I move behind him. “Hop up there, I’ll make sure you don’t fall.” The way the cupboards are arranged, they match the edge of the counters in most of the areas where the pots are stashed.
He balances precariously on his toes while I hold him by the back of his thighs so he can lower the canisters.
“Looks like I’d needtwomen at home,” she giggles as she takes the first piece from him.
Why does that make my cock twitch against my khakis?
I’ve never been one to share.
Except, it’s Reece.
The only person in the world I know honestly cares for me.
“You think you’d handle two of us?” His cocky tone echoes from above as he shifts sideways.
“Oh, I don’t know. It’s fun to try new things.” Her hand rests on my lower back, startling me.
Reece glances down to see us both looking up at him.
But all I can focus on is the heat of her palm.
She’s goading me. Will I let her?
Out of respect for my best friend, I’m not sure if I should.
After he hands down the last one, I back up so he can hop down.
