Making Her Mine

“Wish we had shit like this in our family,” Ryan mumbles. Wouldn't that be nice.

The inside looks as breathtaking as the rest of the house. Ryan starts to wander off. “Where are you going?”

“He’s fine. There is a gym and a movie room. If you can find it.”

“Bad ass.”

“Be back in twenty for dinner and schoolwork,” I remind him.

“Got it.”

“We’ll be in the kitchen.” He points down the hallway before he leads me down it.

“Thanks for being so good with him.”

Miles stops walking and turns to face me. I drop my head back to look up at him. I know he’s a big guy, but when we’re this close he feels bigger. But I don’t feel intimidated. In fact, I feel something different altogether. Desire.

“He’s a good kid.” I say knowing I must have done something right along the way.

His eyes drop to my mouth, making me lick my suddenly dry lips. He’s so damn handsome. I’m still trying to understand why he’s so interested in me. He has heartbreak written all over him. Even if he is a good man, which I’m pretty sure he is. We just wouldn't end up being compatible at the end of the day. We come from two very different worlds.

“He is.” Miles agrees. “I’m going to kiss you, Eden.” He lowers his mouth slowly to mine, giving me time to say no or pull away. I don’t. I want this. My eyes fall closed when his mouth meets mine. His arm wraps around me, pulling me into him.

The kiss starts off slow and sweet. My lips part for him, and his tongue slides into my mouth as he deepens the kiss. I let out a small moan, unable to control myself, and push my chest into him. His other hand tangles in my hair, and he pulls my head back to deepen the kiss even more.

It quickly goes from soft and sweet to passion-filled and needy. We can’t get close enough to each other. My body screams that I want more. I rub against him, my fingers digging into his shirt to hold on to him. My body is starved for affection and yearning to be close to someone.

“Oh sorry.” I jump back at the sound of a woman. She stands there for a moment, and I know from her dark hair and eyes that she’s his twin sister. “Don’t mind me. I’ll be in the kitchen.” She turns, leaving us alone.

“We shouldn't have done that.” I say it, but I wouldn’t think twice about doing it again. I reach up and touch my lips. Miles bends down to pick up the folder. I hadn't realized he’d brought it in. He must have dropped it when we were kissing. He grabs a few of the papers that had fallen out. He slowly stands looking at them before tucking everything back inside.

“That kiss will definitely be happening again.” He takes my hand, leading me down the hallway in a daze.

I don’t even bother telling him he’s wrong.

Chapter Nine

Miles

“Is your recipe for scones a secret or can I get a personal cooking lesson?” Violet asks between mouthfuls of scones.

“I’ll trade the scones’ recipe for this stew recipe. I can make a cake or a pastry, but savory items I struggle with,” Eden shares.

“Hey, I’m the one that makes the pastries,” Ryan interjects. He leans toward my sister. “If you want to know how to bake shit, I’m your man.”

Violet smiles. “Is that right? What all do you know how to make?”

“Bear claws, muffins, eclairs, puffs, filled Danish. You name it and I’ve probably made a few hundred dozen.” The kid’s chest is puffed up in pride.

I swipe a hand across the back of my face to hide a smile.

“I accept your offer to be your sous chef.” Violet stretches her arm across the table.

“Sue what?”

“It’s short for sous chef de cuisine or under-chef of the kitchen. Basically, I do what you tell me until I’m proficient enough to become a master and then I open my own rival restaurant putting yours out of business.”

“Too far, Violet,” I tease.

“Yeah. I’m still the master and will gain skills as I get older. You’re always going to be behind me,” Ryan says.

“Is that so? I better start learning how to bake right away. Every minute that passes is a lost opportunity.” She shoves away from the table. “Let’s go.”

Ryan sits glued to his chair.

“What’s wrong?”

His shoulders slump. “I don’t have all the recipes memorized but, hey”—he has an idea—“we can drive over to the café. They’re all taped up in the kitchen.”

I hold my breath. Is this kid going to miraculously get Violet out of the house?

“Sorry, buddy, but I don’t leave this place.”

“Ever?”

“No. I’ve got some cookbooks in the kitchen. Let’s work with one of those.”

“How come you don’t leave?” Ryan presses.