“In space no one can hear you scream,” Junie said.

Trev blinked. “I’m guessing you mean the good kind of scream.”

In answer, her mom made an O face, and Leanne face-palmed. When some of the secondhand embarrassment faded, she said, “You were just about to get your stuff and head over to Blair’s, right?”

“I was hoping you’d let me cook dinner for everyone first,” Trev cut in.

Startled, Leanne took a step toward him, gesturing at the kitchen. “Are you sure? I don’t even know what I have on hand.”

“I bought some groceries,” Junie said cheerfully.

“Let me take inventory.” He headed for the fridge like a professional, and eventually, he added, “I can do honey Dijon chicken with vegetables. Sound good?” Trev tied on an apron and washed his hands before setting out ingredients and locating kitchenware like he’d done this countless times before.

He’s really selling us as a couple. She read Junie’s silent approval and mentally patted herself on the back.

“Sounds incredible,” Leanne said.

Without even changing out of her work clothes, she settled on a stool across the island to watch him work. He chopped up peppers, zucchini, and onions then quickly whisked together a sauce. Trev prepped a sheet pan with aluminum foil, laid out the veggies and put chicken breasts on top, basting them in the deep yellow honey Dijon. Once it was all done, he sealed the packet and slid the pan into the oven.

“Half an hour, maybe forty minutes. It’ll be awesome, trust me. Sheet pan foil packets are impossible to ruin, and you can do all kinds of flavor profiles. Teriyaki, lemon pepper, spicy ginger, barbecue…”

“You’re so talented,” Leanne said, propping her chin on her hand to admire him.

Honestly, he looked fucking hot in an apron, his cheeks flushed either from working by the oven or from her praise. I didn’t even know I had an apron. In gradient pastel hues—with ruffles, no less—it was so adorable on him that she wished she could grab him with both hands.

“I agree,” Junie put in. “I’ve never heard of this foil packet thing, but it sounds versatile.”

“Definitely! You can use whatever meat you want or no meat at all. I’m not sure I’d try tofu, but chickpeas might work.”

He rounded the counter, coming up behind Leanne to set his hands on her shoulders. When he started kneading, it felt so good that she let out a moan. She hadn’t realized she was tense until he found the knots, applying the perfect amount of pressure to smooth away the aches in her neck as well. Sighing blissfully, she closed her eyes.

“How are you this wonderful?” Junie asked, obviously talking to Trev.