Trev shook his head then realized she couldn’t see him. “No, it’s fine. This is part of my job description.”

Leanne angled her body enough to flash him a grin. “That’s good because I was just asking to be nice. I had no intention of getting up.”

He laughed. “You shouldn’t offer to do things you don’t want to do. When people take you up on it, then you’re stuck and feeling resentful. That’s no way to live.”

She paused the show and popped up on her knees, her pretty face bright with surprise and enthusiasm. “See, that’s exactly how I feel. Normally, I don’t offer. Politeness is for chumps. Who wants to live like a martyr, constantly helping others but wishing they didn’t feel obligated? Bad enough I have to put up with that shit at work. It’s so not for me. I’d rather save my energy for stuff I truly want to do. That way people know I mean it when I suggest pitching in.”

“I’ll remember that,” he said, getting into a rhythm rinsing cups and plates.

It didn’t take long to put everything that fit in the dishwasher and scrub the sheet pan by hand. He went the extra mile and wiped down all the counters and appliances then joined her in the living room. Since he wasn’t sure about the rules, he chose the other end of the sofa.

Leanne cut him a sideways look. “Are you drawing lines, warning me not to cross?”

“No, I just—”

“Good, because I’m really bad at following the rules. I mean, if you tell me no, obviously, I’ll back off, but I’d prefer to keep it fluid between us.”

He had no idea what to say and finally settled on, “I’m fine with that. We don’t need labels. It’s enough that we enjoy…hanging out together.”

That seemed like the wrong thing to say, but she didn’t take offense. Instead, she said, “Awesome,” and slid toward him, pulling his arm around her shoulder. “We’re watching TV tonight, and later, there will be ice cream.”

“Will there?”

“Absolutely. You got rid of Junie in less than a week. That’s a new record.”

“She’s still in town, you know.”

Leanne waved a hand. “But she’s not my immediate problem. I’m choosing to live in the moment and…bask.”

“In what?”

“You,” she said, surprising him. “I hope you’re a high-quality cuddler.”

“I’ll do my best.” To that end, he snuggled her against his side and tried not to think about how good she smelled, fresh from the shower. But he couldn’t resist one long, deep inhalation, drinking in the sweetness of her skin.

“Are you sniffing me?” Leanne asked.