“Dip the chicken in the milk mixture and then the cornflake mixture, right?” Noah asked.

Feeling the throbbing increase between my legs, I said, “Yep.” The sound of his sexy voice was killing me.

Quickly glancing over to the steamer, I smiled as my freshly-picked squash and zucchini steamed to perfection. Alex and I had built a small, raised flowerbed in the backyard and had tons of tomatoes and vegetables growing. I dare say, even Grams would be proud of our makeshift garden.

I added the butter and the garlic as I inhaled deeply through my nose to get the full effect of the smells.

“Are Alex and Will going to be joining us?” Noah asked as he handed me a plate full of coated chicken.

“No, I texted Alex when we were in HEB, and she said tonight was dinner and movie night for them.”

Noah walked up next to me and leaned against the counter as I put the chicken into the skillet.

“Damn, that already smells good.”

Smiling, I said, “It’s the garlic. I love garlic.”

Leaning closer to me, Noah whispered, “Will you still kiss me with garlic breath?”

Swallowing hard, I looked into Noah’s eyes as my breathing increased tenfold. “Um . . . I sure will.”

Oh Jesus. I sure will? What in the hell is wrong with me? I’m like a nervous girl waiting to have sex for the first time. Maybe I just needed Noah to bend me over the counter and fuck me.

Oh hell. I just turned myself on even more. Yes. Right here in the kitchen. A good hard—

“So, Alex is pregnant, huh? That’s crazy. I bet Will is beyond happy to be a father.”

Mention pregnancy and bam, the bubble I was just floating in instantly popped.

Nodding, I said, “Yes. They’re both really happy. Alex is worried about us starting a new business and her having a newborn, but I think we can make it happen.”

“I have no doubt you’ll make it happen, Grace.”

Looking back at the chicken, I moved it around in the pan. “Will you hand me a plate and turn on the oven warming drawer?”

Noah raised his eyebrows and smiled a smile so brilliant, I about dropped to the floor.

“Sure,” he said as he pushed off the counter and stood in the middle of the kitchen. “Where are the plates?”

Turning the heat down, I walked over and reached up to open the cabinet door for a plate. Noah came up behind me and pinned me against the counter. My libido kicked into overdrive as I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath.

“Grace . . . I want you more than I want food right now.”

Dropping my head back against his chest, Noah’s lips moved across my neck.

“Noah,” I whispered in a heavy breath.

Taking me by the arms, Noah spun me around and pressed his lips to mine. Wrapping my arms around his neck, he lifted me up and set me on the counter.

His hands moved over my legs as we kissed passionately. “Will it burn?” Noah asked against my lips.

With a breathy voice, I said, “Yes, and you worked so hard flattening the chicken.”

Letting out a chuckle, Noah lifted me off the counter and set me on the floor as my knees shook.

“Let me do one thing,” I said as I quickly took the cooked chicken out of the pan and placed it on the plate. Opening the warming drawer, I slid the plate in and stood. Turning to Noah, I couldn’t help but notice the hungry look in his eyes.

“Grace,” he said as he quickly rushed to me and pulled me to him. Our kisses were frantic as our hands explored each other.

“Are you sure Will and Alex won’t be home soon?” Noah asked between pants.

“Positive. Noah, I need you to fuck me . . . now.”

Turning me, Noah pushed me against the counter as I braced myself with my hands. Slipping my shorts off, Noah pushed my thong out of the way. Glancing over my shoulder I watched him open his jeans and push down to expose his long, hard dick.

Licking my lips, I moaned. My body was shaking with anticipation. I hadn’t been with anyone since the last time I was with Noah. Pushing my legs apart with his foot, I dropped my head and pulled in deep breath after deep breath. When his fingers touched my sensitive clit, I about let out a scream.

Slowly slipping his fingers inside of me, Noah let out what sounded like a growl. “You’re so wet, Grace. God I want to make love to you, but I don’t have a condom.”

Feeling my heart slam in my chest, I looked back at him. “What? How in hell did you not think to bring a condom, Noah! I’m desperate here! Desperate!”

“Um . . . fuck I don’t know. What if you didn’t want to talk to me or something? I didn’t want to get my hopes up.”