Your Forever Love (The Bennett Family 3)

Pippa

My opportunity to spoil Eric arises two days later. I’ve meant to do something nice for him ever since he went to the charity gala with me, but I haven’t had time. Now that my dad is back home—on the mend, but more grumpy than ever—my routine is somewhat back to normal. After work, I shop for groceries and head home. I enter my apartment at six thirty, which is perfect. It gives me enough time to cook until Eric arrives. He said he’d stop by at seven thirty. Apparently, Julie’s design class has a movie night at the school, so we can have a few hours for ourselves.

Julie told me Eric’s favorite dish is risotto, and that’s what I’m preparing. I turn on the music loudly and begin to cook. God, I missed this. I forgot how much I love cooking. It’s almost like a meditation for me. The mix of aromas, the combination of herbs. I can’t believe I stopped doing it after the divorce. I resolve not to do that again.

One hour later, everything’s done. Now the only missing piece is Eric himself. Except the minutes tick by, and Eric doesn’t come. Eventually, I call him.

“Hey there,” I greet him.

“Shit. I was supposed to be at your place by now. Sorry I forgot to call, but I can’t make it. Something came up at the last minute, and I called an urgent meeting with my team.”

Eyeing the risotto, I eat a spoonful. It’s delicious. Then I pout, brainstorming how to lure him out of his office.

“Are you pouting?” he asks.

I startle. “How do you know?”

“Just a hunch. Will you still be pouting if I buy you your favorite chocolate cake and stop by later?”

I laugh. “Are you bribing me?”

“Unapologetically.”

“I’ll consider changing my expression to a mini-pout.”

“Good girl.”

I put the spoon down and decide that desperate times call for desperate measures.

“I’m naked in the kitchen,” I murmur, hoping he can’t tell I’m lying through my teeth. “With a bottle of wine, and touching myself—”

“Hold on,” he interrupts.

“Hold on?” I bellow, but I get no answer. I hear Eric talk to someone else in the background.

“Right, I’m back.”

“Eric Callahan, you do not tell me to hold on when I’m about to have phone sex with you.”

“I will if I have an important thing to do.”

“Like what?” I bite the inside of my cheek, brainstorming for some credible threats.

“Like postponing the meeting to come home and have actual sex with you.”

I straighten up. “You did that?”

“You thought I’d stay at the office knowing you’re touching yourself?”

“Well, you’re the shark after all,” I say reasonably.

“I’m also a man.”

“You’re weak for flesh, Eric.” My grin is so wide now that my face muscles almost hurt.

“Nah. Only for you.”

And just like that, I melt.