Page 13 of More than Paper

“We can tell that.”

Jamison’s eyes are full of heat. He gulps.

To deflect, I stand up and walk around the island and join Jamison. “What can I do to help?”

He blinks. “You don’t have to help. Just relax.”

“What if I want to know the secret to these famous sandwiches?”

He pulls a drawer open and withdraws two aprons. He sets one on the counter, turns me so my back is to him, and slips the other one over my head then secures the ties. He leans forward so his face is right next to mine. “I hope you like to chop?”

“Sure. I can chop.”

He puts the other apron on.

“That’s our cue.” Chase grabs Vivian’s hand.

“Where are we going?”

“Away from the kitchen so they can slave over our dinner.”

They leave the room.

Jamison sets a few red apples in front of me along with a cutting board and knife. “We need thin slices.”

“Got it.” I wash the apples, dry them, then get to work while Jamison butters bread and puts it in a skillet.

Suddenly, his hands slide from my biceps down to my wrists then over my hands. My nostrils flare with his clean woody scent, and my pulse beats in my neck.

What is he doing?

“You’re going to chop your fingers off.”

“Is that right?” I respond quietly.

His head crosses over my shoulder, and his cheek is right next to mine. Jamison’s so close to me, the hardness of his manhood is digging into my back. “Let me show you.” His nimble fingers glide over mine. One set of hands grips the apple and the other clasps the knife.

Breathe, Quinn.

When the entire apple is ready, he sets the knife down and holds a slice to my lips. I take a bite then he pops the rest into his mouth.

I chew, swallow then, without thinking, I spin into him. His hands move down and plant on the counter, on both sides of my waist. I tilt my head up.

My heart is beating so hard I’m sure he can hear it.

“You’re all set to be a sous chef now.”

I slowly nod.

The fire alarm starts going off and he spins away from me. A black cloud of smoke pours out of the pan. He turns the gas off and dumps the contents of the skillet in the sink then turns on the overhead exhaust.

Vivian and Chase come running in.

“What’s going on?” Chase asks.

“I burned the bread. No biggie,” Jamison casually says.

“That’s a lot of smoke,” Vivian comments and gives me a knowing look, but I ignore her and pick up the second apple.

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