“I’ve never fooled around in my kitchen before. That will be a fun first to conquer. We might need to do a trial run on that pie before Thanksgiving. Want to stay at my place tonight?”

His eyes darkened. “Baby, what are you trying to do to me? Now I’m going to have that thought on my mind all day.”

“Lucky me.” She bounced on her toes and said, “Then you’ll be all ready to go by tonight.”

“Why do you love torturing me?” He lowered his lips to hers, sinking into a deep, toe-curling kiss.

“Considering that you got me all hot and bothered with that kiss, I think you’re the one who loves torturing me,” she said sassily. “And you don’t see me complaining.”

“You’re hot and bothered, huh?” Heat flared in his eyes, and he grabbed her butt.

“Keep those grabby hands to yourself, mister.” She pushed out of his arms, laughing. Loving his playfulness, she walked backward toward the studio and said, “I need to go back to work.”

He strode toward her like a lion stalking his prey, save for that coy grin. “I’ll be quick.”

“You’re never quick. You’re hours of pure, naughty enjoyment, and now I’m going to think about that all day. Ugh! You need to leave.” She shooed him away with her hands. “Now, before we end up horizontal in your truck and I get fired.”

He laughed and blew her a kiss. “See you in the kitchen tonight, beautiful.”

As he climbed into his truck, she knew there was no way she’d be able to think about anything other than that naughty promise and the hunger in his eyes for the rest of the day.

Chapter Fourteen

QUINCY PULLED ON his jeans, listening to the sound of Roni’s music playing in the other room. He couldn’t believe it had been almost three weeks since their first date, eight wonderful days and seven sinfully loving nights, since they’d talked about being a given. The word had become one of his favorites. He loved how their lives were blending together. Video messaging had become their thing, and he loved that they had a thing. Their days were busy, but they came together in the evenings. Roni had gone to another meeting with him, and her support brought them even closer. She was just as low-key as he was about where they stayed. They’d spent some nights at her place and some at his, depending on who was working later. Sometimes he studied in the evenings, and she worked on choreography or read, or they hung out with his friends, who had become her friends, too. Angela and Joey had even joined them for a bonfire at his apartment Friday night with Jed and Truman and their families, and Penny and Scott. The girls were excited that Roni was coming to Josie’s party. It felt amazing to have Roni become such an integral part of his life, and he loved that there was no weirdness between her and Penny. He was also glad Penny and Scott had finally told their friends that they were seeing each other. He’d never seen Penny blush until that night. Scott definitely had a hold on her, and he was thrilled for both of them.