921 Cupid's Chase: A Forbidden Romance

“Everything okay?” is her sweet mewl.

I nod.

“Yeah,” I croak. “Sorry, it was just my stomach growling.”

But Charity knows it wasn’t, and with a naughty smile, she serves us both huge bowls of mac n’ cheese. The aroma of melted cheese really does make my stomach rumble then, and the curvy girl giggles as she takes a seat.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I added some bacon,” she says. “I find it makes the pasta much more flavorful.”

I shake my head, growling.

“I don’t mind at all, and this looks incredible, honey. Thank you.”

She giggles. “You’re welcome. To be honest, I was planning on just popping something quick in the microwave when I got off shift, but I’m glad I decided to do this instead. Would you like a beer, by the way?”

“Yeah, a beer would be great.”

“I think we still some of the IPAs you like,” she murmurs, striding to the fridge. “Oh, here we go.” She grabs a cold bottle and pops off the cap before setting it in front of me. I take a swig of the amber ale and swallow with satisfaction. Honestly, I’ve never been so content before. I’ve got a beautiful, luscious woman before me; a delicious meal made by her hand; and a bottle of ice-cold brew. What could be better?

Charity smiles while sitting down again.

“So what do you guys eat at the station?” she asks. “Do you guys cook?”

I nod.

“One or two of us are pretty good at the stove,” I say. “But sometimes we’re too tired or too lazy to bother, so we get take-out. It’s not usually healthy take-out either. It’s McDonald’s,” I admit.

She giggles.

“No worries because I love Mickey D’s. Especially when they started breakfast all day because I adore Egg McMuffins and hash browns. But I wouldn’t mind cooking for you, Mason, if you’re looking for homemade meals. It’s no trouble, and I know take-out gets old quick, especially if it’s fast food.”

My eyebrow raised. “Really? You’d do that.”

She smiles. “Yup. I like cooking, and sometimes I’m even good at it,” she winks.

I chuckle. “Well, I’d definitely appreciate that. I’d die a happy man if I could eat this every day. After all, Mickey D’s gets old fast, trust me, but the guys refuse to even consider Chipotle or Arby’s. They say there’s enough on the menu at Mickey D’s to keep them satisfied for life.”

Charity giggles then.

“OMG, that’s hysterical.”

I grin.

“Yeah, I basically work with children. But tell me, sweetheart: wouldn’t your boyfriend get upset if he found out you were cooking for me? I mean, you’re a beautiful woman and I could see him getting worked up.”

She shakes her head, biting her lip.

“I don’t have a boyfriend. Did my mom tell you that I do?”

My heart thunders with relief.

“No,” I shook my head. “I’m just—wow. I can’t believe a girl like you is single. I mean, you’re gorgeous, Charity. There must be a line of guys waiting to take you out on dates.”

She shakes her head ruefully. “No, unfortunately, there’s no line. Not even close.” She tosses her curls back and stabs at her macaroni. “I had a boyfriend when I was a freshman, but that lasted all of about two weeks, thank god, since he was so immature.” She twirls a brunette curl around her finger thoughtfully. “I’m not, you know, super popular at school or anything. I mean, I’m not exactly an outcast, but I kind of blend in with the crowd, so most people don’t notice me. Not guys, at least.”

I nod slowly.

“Does that bother you?”

Charity thinks for a moment and then shrugs. “No because the guys I go to school with are stupid and immature. They’re into things like video games and air hockey, not to mention comic books. The latest thing is manga, a type of Japanese comic.”

I nod.

“Well, manga can get pretty graphic, if you know what I mean.”

Charity giggles.

“Yeah, I know. It’s almost like dirty magazines sometimes, but still. I wouldn’t have time to spend with the boys at my school anyway.”

“No?” I ask, quirking a brow.

She shakes her head. “No, because it’s my last year of high school, so I’ve got things to do and my future to think about. Why would I want to waste any of that time with a boy who still wants to watch Fight Club on repeat?”

I laugh.

“Hey, I like Fight Club!”

She giggles.

“You know what I mean, Mason. I think it’s a good movie too, but not on repeat! It gets boring after a while.”

I grin.

“It gets boring after the first time, honey. But I’m glad to hear that you’re so focused. Do you know what you’ll do after high school?” I lift the beer to my lips and swallow, genuinely entranced by this girl.

She smiles naughtily. “Yeah. I think I’ll just become a housewife and start pumping out kids.”