Page 23 of Loving Words
About halfway through the process, Harrison muttered, “She’s my sister.”
“I know.”
“She doesn’t need protecting, but for the record, I’ll kick your ass if you break her heart.”
I pinned the end of the garland to the wall and chuckled. “And I wouldn’t expect anything less, but what if she breaksmyheart? Are you going to kick her ass?”
“I guess I’ll have to hide the coffee.”
“Ouch, I think kicking her ass might be a lighter sentence,” I said and paused, my brows raising to my hairline. “You weren’t kidding when you said she had coffee flowing through her veins.”
“It was no exaggeration, dude.” Harrison shook his head as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, I can’t get rid of her because she’s my sister. But I’m going to be pissed if I lose you. I already have you broken in, and I don’t want to go through the training process all over again.”
My head fell back with laughter. “You’re such an asshole sometimes. You know that, right?”
Harrison shrugged. “What does that say about you?”
I flipped him off and remembered we weren’t alone. Looking over my shoulder, I spotted Gran setting her new paperback down in her lap. “Sorry!”
She popped open the flask and poured a liberal amount into her mug before tucking it between her thigh and the seat. Remembering the heavy hand Kennedy had had when making my hot toddy the night before, I realized who she’d learned it from. “Are you two done kissing and making up?”
“Nope!” Harrison said as I said, “Yeah.”
She picked her book back up and waved it into the air. “Please tell me Annie and Damon are getting a book.”
They would, if they’d finally cooperate for me when my mind wasn’t focused on Kennedy’s luscious body. Feigning surprise, I asked, “Really? Annie and Damon and not Annie with Benny?” I knew the question would screw with her, as I’d laid plenty of groundwork with the couple.
Gran’s eyes widened before she glared at me. “Jack Halliday! Benny is obviously in love with Erik! The chemistry between them is hot! You’re going to have to write them next, or I’ll never forgive you!”
I laughed as I left Harrison to finish the last of the garland. “So I need to write Benny and Erik’s story next, not Annie and Damon’s? Because I can’t have you upset with me.” She wasn’t wrong. Those two would get their happily ever after, but I was currently in the trenches with Annie and Damon.
“Stop playing with my emotions, young man! I don’t have much left in this one, and my greedy little heart wants to read Annie and Damon’s story. Those two are going to have a hell of a time at it, won’t they?”
Pressing my lips into a tight line, I shrugged. “I guess you’ll have to patiently wait because I don’t kiss and tell.”
At the thought of kissing, I winked at Gran and padded out of the room in search of Kennedy. Enough time had passed since she’d stormed off that I was hoping she’d be in a better mood. Having her brother react so strongly hadn’t helped and, I wasn’t entirely sure I’d handled it well. The emotions and attraction between uswerenew and confusing, but only time would tell me if it was worth pursuing.
“Whatcha making?” I asked the moment her eyes met mine.
With her coffee-free hand, she pointed a thumb backward toward the pot on the stove. “Tomato soup.”
At least three kinds of cheeses were spread out on the counter, with a loaf of bread to the side. “With grilled cheese?” A grin split my face as my stomach growled with approval. “I haven’t had that since I was a kid.”
“Well, if you’re complaining, there’s the fridge. Plenty of things to make yourself,” she snapped, misunderstanding my words.
I snagged her by the waist and grabbed her coffee as she pushed past me to get to the cheese. Her hands balled into fists on my chest as I set her mug on the counter, but she didn’t push me away. “Baby, Ilovetomato soup and grilled cheese.” Cupping her face, I forced her to look me in the eyes. “Thank you for making lunch.”
Her lips parted as she sighed, “Oh.”
Dipping my head, I brushed my mouth against hers. The kiss was feather light, meant to tease her, but it just as powerful as the ones we’d shared the night before. When I pulled back, my gaze moved to the counter and back. Kennedy was also staring at the spot where we’d made out like horny teens.
“The only regret I have is being interrupted.” I studied her face, watching surprise blossom in her features.
She looked down at her hands. “I don’t know how I feel about any of this.”
Brushing a strand of hair that had become loose behind her ear, I sighed. “Neither do I.”
Her face fell, and I wondered what I’d said wrong. When she pressed against my chest to leave my arms, I squeezed her hips and held her a moment longer.
