It was the oddest thing having Cherisse hovering, watching him as he prepped the dish. He refused to let her help. Not because he was fussy about people in his space when he was cooking. Far from it, he liked company in the kitchen, but he figured he’d put her through enough this morning. She’d earned her rest. He felt the prickle of her gaze on the back of his neck as he added the seasoned fish pieces to the pot.

“You use the heads and all?” she asked.

“Of course, best part.” He turned away from the stove in time to see her nod in agreement. “My dad loved to eat the eyes,” he admitted. “I was grossed out by it enough as a kid that I’ll eat the meat but never the eyes.”

“I eat the eyes.” Cherisse tossed him a challenging wink, and Keiran gave a full-body shudder.

Scooby trotted into the kitchen, jumping up on Cherisse, begging for some affection, and acting like the most neglected dog in the world.

“Scooby, down!” Keiran chided. Scooby knew how to manipulate those who weren’t privy to his tricks.

“It’s fine,” Cherisse said, patting Scooby’s head. That sealed it—she’d won over Scooby forever. He was easy. Head pats and belly rubs were all it took. She was winning Keiran over, too. Even being a cat owner, she obviously liked dogs as well. Points in her favor.

“He knows he isn’t supposed to jump on guests.” Keiran leaned against the counter, watching as Scooby basked in the attention. Was it pathetic to be jealous of your dog? Cherisse was down on her haunches now, letting Scooby wriggle himself into a frenzy over her touches. Keiran couldn’t help but wonder if he’d react the same. Foolish thought. As if he’d ever get touched by Cherisse like that.

When the fish broth was ready, Keiran was suddenly overtaken by a barrage of nerves. Used to cooking for his friends, he was confident his fish broth was on point. Watching Cherisse take her first sip, the flipping feeling in his stomach was back—different this time, but still battering his insides.

“Oh, this is good.” Cherisse seemed genuinely surprised as she dug into her bowl for another spoonful. “You should have another early morning baking class with me. With this soup and my treats, you’ll be marriage material in no time,” she joked.

“I think I manage with what I’ve got, but thanks,” he replied drily.

“I’m telling you, baking will level you up.”

“You’re just trying to find another way to boss me around for fun, aren’t you?”

Cherisse shrugged, but her mischievous smile said he wasn’t too far off with his assumption. “But you’re so good at taking instructions.” She rooted around in her bowl, breaking the skin of the fish and scooping out the eye. “Consider it.” She waved the spoon with the fish eye close to his face.

“Hey, now, that’s playing dirty.” He slid his chair back.

“But it’s so much fun to play dirty.”