Page 20 of Strawberry Cake

“I make more of an effort to squeeze them in where I would turn a new client away. I know they’re returning business and it’s easier for me to edit for an author I already know.”

“That’s reasonable.”

He made room for her to slide the dish into the oven and set a timer. “Do you want to be formal and eat at the table or slum it on the couch with a movie?”

Hope visibly relaxed. “Slumming it soundswonderful.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.” It was only then that Decan realised, “I never offered you a drink.”

“I was too busy to even notice.”

While they waited on the lasagne, they cleaned the kitchen together. He’d just handed her the last pan when the timer dinged. “Gloves are over there,” he said, directing Hope to the correct drawer.

A few moments later, Hope held his plate while Decan pulled himself onto the couch. They’d decided to choose a random movie that had been suggested by Netflix, and Decan paused to admire that adorable happy dance.

She waited for him to finish his and took his plate. “More?”

“Yes, please.” It was so easy to let her do the little things, like grabbing him seconds of dinner. It seemed so natural to her and made it that much easier on him.

Once seconds were gone, Hope placed the plates in the dishwasher and returned with two cans of soda. Instead of letting her reclaim her seat, Decan took her wrist and pulled her onto his lap.

“Come here.”

“So demanding,” she giggled, following his lead nonetheless.

“Please,” he added with a smile. Her thighs hugged him, but he could feel that she put most of her weight on her heels. “I know you like it when I ask nicely.”

“It does make me feel special.”

He rested his head against the back of the couch and sunk in, relaxing beneath her. “It’s our fourth date.”

“You counted yesterday as a date?”

“I saw you, didn’t I?”

“True.”

“So easy to convince you, huh?”

That bottom lip was back between her teeth again, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of his shirt.

“Hope?”

“Decan.”

“Why haven’t you asked yet?”

“Asked what?”

“What happened to me. It’s usually the first thing people want to know.”

“You’ll talk about it once you’re ready. And besides, nothing is going to change. You’ll still be the same handsome, cheeky man who caught my eye in the coffee shop.”

Hope’s words stung, and Decan didn’t know why. She hadn’t said anything horrible. She’d only answered the question he’d asked.

Their eyes locked, and her brows fused. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for my words to be so rude.”

“You were honest, and I would prefer honesty over a sweet lie any day.”