Page 23 of A Soldier's Destiny
“No? Why don’t you try to dig yourself out of that hole, and I’ll check on the quiche?” Following a few steps behind her, she could almost feel the wheels in his brain turning as he tried to figure out what to say next. She wasn’t mad. It was funny, and she’d been trying to hold in her laughter. It was a nice change that she wasn’t the one squirming about what to say.
The quiche wasn’t quite done yet. Even her stomach was growling now. But you can’t rush perfection. Checking on the salad, she was impressed with his prep skills. Maybe there was hope for him yet. “Nice job with the veggies.”
“I tried, I figured you’d want everything bite size, so I had to cut them down a bit.”
She smiled as she checked the full salad bowl. He’d chopped everything into one inch size pieces. It surprised her that he’d put thought into the chore. The rare instances she’d convinced Jim to help, he’d do just enough to finish whatever she’d asked without caring how it turned out. Most of the time she’d have to go back and fix whatever he’d done.
“Good to know we don’t have to start with Salad 101 and can progress right to cooking eggs.”
“What? I thought you were kidding about the cooking lessons.”
“Nope. Everyone should know how to cook the basics at least.”
“I don’t need to. I’m hardly ever home and when I am the last thing I want to do is spend time in the kitchen. I’d rather grab a beer and watch whatever game is in season.” That didn’t surprise her, but she wasn’t going to back down. Although, if she was trying to keep him at arm’s length, teaching him to cook and bake wasn’t the way to do it.
“How much longer ‘til that egg pie thingy is done? I’m starving.”
“Quiche, it’s called quiche. Not long, but we can eat the salad now instead of waiting. Do you want a beer with dinner?”
“Are you going to have one?”
“I’m not a big beer fan, I usually keep it here for guests. I prefer wine.”
“Do you have a lot of guests?”
“No, not that it’s any business of yours.” Damn, she’d gone and done it. Got him riled up again. Just when she thought they’d have a peaceful meal and he’d forget about the conversation he’d promised they’d have.
When he didn’t say anything, she grabbed the bottle of Pinot Grigio out of the refrigerator and reached for a glass. Waiting for his next question or answer about the beer, he surprised her when he spoke.
“I’ll have wine, too.”
Raising her eyebrows, she grabbed another wine glass from the cabinet. Then carried the bottle and glasses over to the small dining room table. It would be the first meal she’d shared with anyone since she moved in. It was kind of nice. Who was she kidding? Having him around was wonderful and exasperating at the same time.
He picked up the salad bowl and followed her to the table. “You know, I didn’t mean you were old. It just came out wrong. I thought you were barely into your twenties. You look so young.”
“Nice try.”
“Seriously, Angel. I figured you were way too young for me.” Jasper grabbed her hands and stopped her from heading back to the kitchen. Tilting her chin, she had no choice but to look into his hazel eyes. “You’re beautiful, amazing, and in case I haven’t made it abundantly clear already, I really want you.”
“You want me?” her voice came out in a high squeak. He grinned, but the intensity in his eyes raised goosebumps on her arms and sent a shiver of longing along her nerve endings.
“Yes, Angel. For as long as I can have you. I know I should wait until you’re not my client, but I’ve been searching for you for so long. I’d almost convinced myself you weren’t real. And then there you were in front of me. The woman who’d eluded me for two long years.”
“You’ve been searching for me?” Her brain couldn’t put more than two words together. She sounded like a nitwit.
“Yes, I have. I’ll explain everything if you let me. Just know that I’m serious, I want to make love to you. I will wait until you’re ready but don’t doubt for a minute that I want to make you mine.”
She was sure she was impersonating a fish. Her mouth opened and closed while she tried to come up with something to say. He saved her. Before she could find her words, his lips took hers, his tongue demanding entrance to her mouth. He crushed her against him leaving her no doubt that he’d meant what he said. The erection pushing against her belly was all the proof she needed. His passionate kisses made her knees weak, and she grabbed his waist to keep from falling.
* * *
If he didn’t stop now, he’d carry her down the hall to her room. As much as it killed him to release her, he had no choice. He’d made her a promise he intended to keep. She would be the one to set the pace no matter how much it killed him. With a groan that echoed through his body, he released her and took a step back.
“I’m sorry. That wasn’t fair, I just finished telling you I’d give you time.”
“It…it’s okay, really. I just…”
“I think the egg pie might be burning.” Apparently, you can take the man out of the military but not the military out of the man, he’d always be aware of his environment.
