Pretty Little Thing (Central Valley U)

He beams like he just won free toys for life. “You’re welcome, Mama. I’m gonna go see if Stella’s ready to go.”

“Be care—” I start to say, but he’s already gone.

I finish curling my hair and then get dressed. He said to wear whatever, which is the most typical guy response ever, and so incredibly unhelpful.

Eventually, I settle on a pair of black jeans and a dressy black top. Casual but cute—and the V-neck makes my tits look great.

“Frankie,” Orion calls, sending all of the butterflies roosting in my belly into a frenzied flight. Dumb, I know, since we’re just going to dinner. But for some reason, tonight feels important…

Like it’s the start of something amazing.

Fingers crossed, anyway.

“Almost ready!” I call back, spritzing myself with my favorite perfume before venturing out in search of everyone.

I find them all congregated in the kitchen, with Maverick trying to convince Stella to give him a snack and Orion watching, his lips kicked up in an amused grin.

“Maverick James, did you tell me Gigi was making cupcakes?”

“Yeah!”

“Then why do you need a snack? If you eat now, you’ll be too full.”

“Oh.” He crosses his arms and glares at Stella. “Why didn’t you just say that?”

Stella throws her arms up in the air and then jumps at Maverick, digging her fingertips into his ribs.

“You little rascal!” she shouts, but the sound is barely audible over his hysterical giggles.

“Mercy, Stella! Mercy!”

She gives him one last tickle for good measure, and then slings an arm around his shoulder, pulling him close. “You ready to go see Gigi and Pop-Pop?”

“Yeah!” He wriggles out of her hold and runs over to me, throwing his arms around my middle. “I love you, Mama.”

“Love you, too, bud. Be good, okay?”

“I will.” He releases me, turning to pounce on Orion, but he’s ready for him and scoops him up into his arms.

They whisper to one another with their heads bent together, leaving Stella and me in the dark, until finally Orion presses a kiss to Mav’s forehead and sets him back down on his feet. “Have fun, bud.”

“I will, O. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Stella grabs Maverick’s backpack and then they’re out the door, leaving only Orion and me.

“You look...” He drags his eyes over every inch of my body. “Fucking stunning.”

“Thank you.” I feel my cheeks warm as I return the favor, looking him up and down. He looks like a freaking dream in a pair of dark jeans and a gray button-down with the sleeves rolled. “You look nice, too.”

“Just nice?” He arches a brow, clearly fishing.

Too bad I’m hook, line, and sinker for this man—if only I could find the courage to tell him.

“You look… really good.” There. That’s better.

Orion pouts. “I was hoping for hot. Sexy. Jaw-droppingly handsome.” He’s definitely teasing me, but he is all of those things.

“D,” I say, clasping my hands behind my back. “All of the above.”

He flashes me his best panty-melting, heart-stopping smile “That’s more like it.”

“So, what are we doing tonight, Mr. Secrecy?”

“I know I asked to take you out, but I was actually hoping we could stay in?”

“Um.” I blink twice, wondering if I misread the situation. No, Frankie! He’s dressed up, too. Get out of your own damn way. “Sure.”

“Good.” He claps his hands once before rubbing them together. “I was going to take you to 1885, but then decided I’d rather cook for you. I’m not great in the kitchen but I know my way around a steak.”

“I’m not one to turn down steak.” I nibble my lower lip. “What about sides? I’m happy to help…”

Orion’s eyes light up. “I was hoping you’d say that. I bought a few different options—asparagus, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and some bread, too.”

“Mmm.” I pat my belly. “Mashed sweet potato and brussels. Yum.”

“Okay.” He grabs the cast iron skillet from the cabinet and ignites the burner. “Let’s do this.”

We move around each other in the kitchen in perfect harmony, like we’ve been cooking together for ages.

It’s domesticated and thrilling and almost feels like a glimpse into the future we could have.

Between the scents of garlic and rosemary and all of the little touches as we cook, I’m brimming with want—for both the food and the man searing steaks at my side.

He grins at me and then slowly licks his lips, sending my libido into overdrive. Luckily, the timer for the bread sounds before I can do something stupid—like offer to let him feast on me instead.

“Let’s eat,” Orion murmurs, pulling down two plates from the cabinet.

I grab the bread and then we work together to plate everything.

“Table or bar?” I ask, wishing it was warm enough to eat outside. Even with the heater, it’s too cold tonight.

“Table works for me.” He grabs both of our plates and strides toward the dining room. I grab us each a drink and then hurry after him.