Page 48 of Stolen Dreams
I load the last pot into the dishwasher and wipe down the counters. As I go to set the table, I pause and recenter myself. Take a meditative breath and clear my mind of its frenzied thoughts.
One step at a time. Focus on dinner and tonight.
I repeat this as I add plates to each place setting, as I set silverware on cloth napkins, as I put empty glasses on the upper right corner of each place mat.
Don’t get ahead of yourself. Hasty decisions equal disaster.
Sweet and savory waft up my nose as I take the pans out of the oven. Rich umami floats through the air, my stomach growling when I take the lid off the slow cooker. As I transfer everything to serving dishes, Tucker bounds down the stairs with Kaya in tow.
“Smells absolutely divine in here.” Kaya steps into the kitchen, her radiant smile aimed in my direction.
My inner zen becomes a distant memory. One compliment, all logic goes out the window. One dazzling smile, my uninhibited heart takes over.
Instead of fighting what I feel, instead of overthinking, I let go. Give myself over to instinct and float on.
Dinner passes in easy conversation about cooking school, Kaya’s time at the rec center, and Tucker sharing his favoritesummer activities. At one point, he asks if I’ll sign him up for the rec center summer program. After I explain how he’d miss cooking school and time with my parents, he says to sign him up next year.
I sit across from Kaya and ogle her more than afriendwould. But I don’t miss how often her eyes meet and hold mine. Don’t miss how often she hides her smile. Or how often that delicious blush stains her cheeks.
Tucker helps clear the table after dinner and brings out dessert—which he selected and assisted in making. It’s one of Mom’s old recipes from the early days of RJ’s Diner before Calhoun’s Confections opened. A beloved favorite at the diner Dad keeps on the menu.
“What’s this?” Kaya holds up her plate and studies the layered treat.
“Heaven in a pan,” Tucker announces. “It’s Grandma’s special recipe.” He presses a finger to his lips. “Shh. You can’t share it with anyone.”
I chuckle.
“Promise I won’t tell a soul.” Kaya draws anXover her heart.
When Tucker rushes back to the kitchen for forks, I let Kaya in on a secret. “Actually, Mom calls itsexin a pan,” I whisper. “For obvious reasons, we don’t tell Tucker that.”
A stunning shade of red paints her cheeks, neck, and exposed chest. She tucks her chin and swallows.
My dick twitches behind my zipper.
I doubt Kaya isinnocent, but damn do I love her reactions.
“I…” She clears her throat, then takes a sip of water. “I understand why.”
As she eats dessert, I openly stare at her. Fisting the napkin in my lap, I relish the way her eyes roll closed for a second after each bite. Revel in the way her lips wrap around the fork before she slowly slides it from her mouth.
I want to tell her what those small reactions do to me. The way she heats my blood. Makes me bite back moans. Has me eager to reach across the table and touch her.
But I don’t say a word. Somehow, I maintain my composure and keep my hands to myself. I ignore my aching dick and focus on the current conversation.
“Can we watch my new superhero movie?” Tucker asks, mouth full, voice garbled.
“Don’t talk with food in your mouth, bud.”
He takes a sip of water then flashes me hiswhoopswince. “Sorry.”
I glance at Kaya for a beat before meeting Tucker’s waiting gaze. “Not sure if Kaya likes superheroes. Or if she’ll stay to watch.”
Guilt claws at my chest for the last part, but I deserve it.
This date is so different from any other. I have no idea if Kaya plans to leave after dessert. If she wants to watch a movie. But I hope she’ll stay.
Kaya scoops up the last of her dessert. “Depends.” She brings the fork to her lips. “Which superhero is it?” She pops the bite in her mouth.