Treasure on Lilac Lane (Jewell Cove 2)

CHAPTER 14

“Jess.”

She stirred, sliding further into the warmth surrounding her.

“Jess,” came the voice again.

She opened one eye and realized she was cradled in Rick’s arms.

“I fell asleep.”

“You sure did.” He smiled down at her. “Feel better?”

She stretched a little, pointing her toes toward the bottom of the bed. “I do.”

“It’s after six. I wasn’t sure if you had a class tonight or not, so I thought I’d better wake you up just in case.”

She chuckled. “That would be awkward.”

“A bit.”

/> “It’s my night off.”

“So you don’t actually have to get out of bed.”

The suggestion in his voice heated her all over. “Technically, no.”

There was a growling sound from under the covers and they both started laughing.

“I think we might need to eat, though.” She shoved her hair away from her face. “I did ask you to dinner.”

“You’ve been a terrible host,” he confirmed, reaching out and tucking a stray chunk of hair behind her ear. The touch was so affectionate she nearly swooned right then and there.

But they had to take things slowly, be sure this was what they both wanted, needed. There was a friendship at stake, so it would be better to feel their way through it and not rush.

Which was pretty funny considering they’d already skipped to the sleeping together part.

“As cozy as this is, I’m starving. How do you feel about pasta and chicken?”

“If I don’t have to make it, it sounds great.”

“Oh, you’re helping. No slackers allowed here.” She slid out from beneath the blanket and shivered. “I suppose our fire went out a long time ago.”

“I’ll build a new one.” He got up and reached for his underwear and she was treated to a lovely view of his backside as he pulled them on. When he turned around she really got a good look at the scars on his chest and shoulders. He hadn’t had an easy time.

Once she was back in her underwear, she went to her closet and chose comfy yoga pants and an oversized hoodie, her favorite relaxing wardrobe. She pulled her hair back and anchored it in a loose bun with an elastic. When she looked up, Rick was watching her with a smile on his face. “You look adorable.”

“I look comfortable,” she corrected. She hadn’t felt the need to dress up and impress him. They’d known each other too long. He’d seen her in far worse. With a start she realized that she could really be herself with Rick. How cool was that?

“Let’s go. I’m starving.”

Once Rick had a fire going, they worked side by side in the kitchen. Jess put water on for the pasta and then put Rick to work chopping vegetables while she stirred chicken in a skillet and built a simple sauce with cream, butter, and Parmesan. It seemed to take no time at all to finish creating the meal, and Rick set the table as she scooped up servings.

They chatted about nothing important as they ate, and when their bowls were empty Rick sat back and sighed. “Wow. That was good. Thanks, Jess.”

“You’re welcome. It was much nicer than cooking for myself.” She smiled. “I didn’t make dessert, though. I think I have some ice cream in the freezer.”

“That’d be fine.”