Free Grayslake: More than Mated: A Bite of Love (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Ally Summers Page B

And this was the first time I had cooked dinner.
    I looked at the casserole dish baking in the oven. It had an hour to go. In the meantime, I could take a shower.
    I showered and dressed. I pulled a T-shirt over my head. Water droplets soaked through the shirt in spots. I pulled on a pair of jeans and jogged downstairs. The entire house smelled like garlic. I hated it, but I hoped it proved a point.
    I pulled a pair of candlesticks from the cabinet and took them to the back porch. I lit each one. There wasn’t much breeze back here. Fall was starting to settle into Grayslake. The nights were getting cooler. I grabbed a couple of quilts and tossed them over the new porch furniture.
    I observed the setup. I was pretty damn impressed with myself.
    My ears perked up at the sound of tires on the driveway. I rushed to meet Cadence at the front door.
    As she stepped from the car, I propped myself against the railing and watched her walk toward me. Damn, she filled in those jeans in all the right places. Her eyes were bright and clear. God, had she always been this beautiful?
    Her blond hair hung loosely over her shoulders. I could almost taste her creamy white skin on my tongue. I repressed a growl.
    “Hey, you.” I winked.
    She blushed. “Hey.”
    “Hungry?”
    She nodded. But I could tell she was cautious. I didn’t blame her. A month ago I was a different man. Tonight was my chance to show her just exactly how different I was.
    I took her by the hand, feeling the warmth of her palm slide next to mine. “Right this way.”
    I led her through the house and onto the back porch. I smiled when I heard the gasp come from her mouth.
    “Wow. You did this?”
    “For you. Yes.”
    I pulled out one of the chairs for her. She looked up at me, her eyes full of questions. I’d answer all of them before the night was over.
    “It’s beautiful. I don’t know what to say. You’ve been busy.” Her head swiveled to take in the porch renovations.
    “I’ve gotten a few things done since your last visit.” I worked on uncorking a bottle of champagne.
    Her eyes landed on the swing on the far side. “Oh my God. I’ve always wanted one of those.” She stood from the table and walked toward the massive hanging piece. “You put a bed swing out here?”
    “I like to sleep outside sometimes,” I admitted.
    “It’s amazing.” She tested it out. “It does need some pillows, but for a guy you’ve done a pretty good job.” She smiled at me, and I felt the chilliness between us melt.
    “You know I love to remodel and I refinish furniture when I’m not working. I don’t think I ever mentioned it. Why didn’t I mention it?”
    I don’t know why, but it made me smile. “Of course you do.”
    She tilted her head slightly. “What?”
    “I’m not surprised you have one more line of perfection Cadence Hathaway.”
    And it was true. This woman was perefect. Perfect for me.
    I walked toward her and handed one of the chilled glasses.
    “And champagne?”
    “Thought we could celebrate.” I took a seat next to her on the swinging bed.
    “And what is it we’re celebrating?” she whispered.
    My eyes glowed. “A new chapter.” I clinked my glass to hers and inhaled until the champagne was gone.
    “Case…” She was hesitant. “What’s the new chapter?”
    “Don’t you know?”
    She shook her head. I wanted to kiss that look of doubt off her pretty face. I wanted to tell her what an ass I was. But I needed to be an ass for a while. I needed that time, so that I could be here now.
    I held out my hand to help her off the swing. “Let’s talk over dinner,” I suggested.
    “What are we having?” she asked.
    “Lasagna.”
     

18
    Cadence
     
    I sat at the table while Case jogged off to the kitchen to get our dinner. I felt as if I were starring in some bizarre and wonderful dream. He was different. Still sexy. Still smoldering. But a total flirt. And mysterious in an incredibly charming way. Holy hell, I had already fallen off