“Okay.” Once more, she closed the space between them. “If food is more important to you than…”

Nora stilled her wandering hands. “How about if we compromise and have dinner first, and then dessert later?” She waggled her eyebrows.

“I suppose.” Mary sighed and sashayed over to the couch. “I’ll just have to enjoy the view, I guess.”

Nora tried to act less flustered than she felt as she prepared the pork chops, the fingerling potatoes, and the green beans. She set the table and lit the candle she’d purchased as a centerpiece.

Mary didn’t say a word the entire time it took her to prep the dinner and cook it, and that unnerved Nora even more. “Do you have any idea how uncomfortable it makes me feel that you’re watching me?”

“Do you have any idea how much I’d rather be doing something other than watching you?” Mary asked.

The sultriness in her tone made Nora go weak in the knees. She plated their dinners and put them on the table.

“That looks delicious.”

The words were a vibration against her back, and she shivered.

“So do you.” Mary put her hands on her waist and slowly turned her around so that they were face to face.

“D-dinner’s ready.”

“I can see that.”

If you don’t stop looking at me that way, I swear I’ll combust. “Sit down before it gets cold.”

She did as she was told and placed the gingham napkin in her lap.

“I hope it’s all right. I’m not the best cook.”

Mary placed the first bite of pork chop and potatoes in her mouth and moaned. “This is heavenly.”

Yes, it is. Nora swallowed hard. Was it hot in here? “I’m glad you like it.”

“Mm-hmm.” She devoured everything on the plate, and a big slice of apple pie for dessert that Nora had made earlier in the day.

“Where are you putting all that?”

“What? It’s not every day I get such a gourmet meal.”

“Did you really like it?”

“I really, really did.” Mary rose and blew out the candle. “Now what I’d really like is to do the dishes and have the other part of the dessert that you promised me.”

As if I could deny you anything when you look at me like that.

Sometime later, Nora forced open her eyelids and stretched. Mary was sprawled across her torso, a smile plastered on her face even in sleep. Nora ran her fingers through her dark curls and kissed the top of her head.

She started to doze again and jerked awake. What time was it? Had they missed midnight? Midnight? Nora threw off the sheet and blanket that partially covered them. Mary’s curfew!

“Wake up!” She shook her. “You have to wake up!”

“What is it?”

“You’re going to miss curfew.”

“Curfew?” Mary rubbed the sleep from her eyes. “What time is it?”