Chapter Twelve
Kory
I put the final touches on the chicken parmigiana. The tomato sauce and herbs combined with the chicken smelled delicious. I added a little more parsley as a garnish. One requirement of my mother had been to learn how to cook. A good wife can entertain without hiring it out. Until this summer, I’d never enjoyed it. Loathed it, actually.
One night over the summer when Hayden had offered to bring dinner, I’d decided I wanted to cook for him instead. The appreciation he showed made me want to cook more. It was my way of showing Hayden how much I cared for him without actually having to show it.
I sprinkled some fresh parmesan on the chicken. “Dinner is almost ready,” I called from the kitchen.
“Coming,” Hayden answered from the upstairs.
I grinned to myself as I thought about him being upstairs in the shower. It had taken restraint not to join him. My body hummed anytime he was near, and it drove me wild. Hayden had always been a generous lover who put my needs before his own. It wasn’t going to take long before we were in the same bed. The sexual tension between us was too high.
If I spent any real time thinking about what it had been like to be with Hayden, my resolve was going to weaken instantly.
Think of something else.
This afternoon spent at Hayden’s cabin after the Starbucks run had been charming. I looked forward to a time when we could stay there and wake up snuggled together. We’d packed up a few things for Hayden to bring back. At some point, we’d have to add some personal touches to make this place ours.
The temporary cell phone I was using vibrated on the counter with a reminder.
Noon Flight with Douglas
Until we could get to a bigger city, I was using Hayden’s extra phone he had for his business, which was synced with the flight schedule. The alert reminded me that there was still so much to do, like figuring out what to do about a car and a job. It would all come in due time. For now, I was going to enjoy the moment, being able to live in this beautiful home.
How did I let the controlling behavior go on for so long with my parents? The easiest answer was that I’d been scared of upsetting them and terrified I wouldn’t be able to survive on my own. In twenty-four hours, my entire world had changed… and Hayden’s, too.
I worried what he was really thinking.
Our relationship was new. We loved each other, but at the same time, we were learning about each other, finding our way together.
Strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind me. “This smells delicious. I’ve missed your cooking.”
“I missed it, too. Until you, I never enjoyed it.”
“Really?”
I turned in his arms. “Yes, it had always been an expectation of my mother. With you, it wasn’t expected but appreciated.”
Our eyes connected. Little butterflies danced in my stomach. Yes, we’d slept together multiple times, but in some ways this felt new. My skin tingled where his fingers gripped me tighter. “I can’t believe you’re here, Kory.”
“Me. either.”
“What were you thinking about when I walked in?”
I glanced away for a second before meeting his eyes. “Are you okay with everything? I mean me… being here… upsetting your life. I feel like I’ve wrecked your life.”
Not once did he look anywhere but at me. “No, you’ve brought me to life, Kory.”
He leaned closer, and I closed my eyes, letting the anticipation build until his lips touched mine. They were firm and commanding. I melted into his embrace, wrapping my arms around his neck. Once, twice, he swiped his tongue across my lips, and I opened to him. It had been too long since I’d tasted him. He grabbed the back of my neck, deepening the kiss. I let out a moan as his spicy cinnamon flavor engulfed me. He groaned in response and gripped me tighter.
My core tightened, and I leaned closer. His dick pressed against my lower abdomen, and I craved that moment where nothing else mattered.
Hayden slowed the kiss, pulling back ever so slightly. Our breathing was heavy, and his breath tickled my lips as he said, “I’m all in, Kory. I wanted to wait before I kissed you again. But I need you to feel how much I want this. I can’t wait to be with you again. But I’ll wait forever if that’s what it takes.”
I gave him a little kiss. “I feel the same way.”
And I knew it wouldn’t be long.
“That’s good to know.” Hayden gave me one of those smiles that made me weak in the knees.
“Are you hungry?”
“Definitely.”
Except I knew he wasn’t hungry for food. Heat crept up my cheeks. “Why don’t we eat? I’ll bring dinner in there.”
I bit my lip, and Hayden groaned. It had always driven him crazy. “You’re making this really fucking hard.”
“Am I?” I teased.
Hayden took a step closer, and I backed up into the cabinet. He leaned in, and I felt his breath tickle my neck. “You know what you’re doing.”
“Maybe.”
He pressed his lips against my neck. “Payback, sweetheart,” he whispered.
The words sent goose bumps racing down my arm. “I look forward to it.”
Paybacks from Hayden normally led to amazing orgasms. I’d always loved getting him wound up.
Slowly, he backed up. “Game on, Kory.”
“Game on.”
I couldn’t stop smiling as I grabbed the dinner plates. The chicken turned out well for not following a recipe. Halfway through our meal, as we were enjoying each other’s company, Hayden was about to say something when his phone rang.
“Hey, Eric. Oh, man, I’m so sorry. Yes. Of course. I’ll be there in just a few.” He hung up the phone with a grim look on his face. “That was Eric Hensley, a longtime friend. His mom has been rushed to the hospital in Anchorage. He asked if I could fly him up there.”
“Oh, no. I’m so sorry to hear that.”
He looked down. “I don’t want to leave you tonight, but…”
No, he had to go. “I’ll be fine. I promise. Please take your friend and don’t feel bad. Right now, getting Eric to his mom is the most important thing. Why is she in Anchorage?”
“She’s in a nursing home up there. It’s been tough on Eric and his brother. His mom refused to move in with either of them.”
Hayden grabbed his plate.
“I’ll get it. Grab your stuff.”
“Thanks, sweetheart.” His eyebrows were pinched as he turned to leave. “Will you drive me to the airport? I want you to have the truck while I’m gone.”
“Of course.”
Hayden still looked torn as he left the room. It made me feel warm all over knowing he wanted to be with me as much as I did him. And regardless of what was happening, he kept me at the forefront of his mind.
I knew for certain my heart belonged to Hayden Foster in every way.