All I've Ever Wanted - Adrianne Byrd [40]
“Soup’s on,” Max called from the kitchen.
Kennedy went to join him in the kitchen. “What smells so good?” She froze at the kitchen door, stunned at the sight of Max before her.
He was dressed only in a pair of black flannel pajama pants. He stood, stirring a pot on the stove. His bare, muscular chest drew her gaze like a magnet and invited her imagination to explore a world of possibilities.
He turned and faced her. It was his frown that jolted her from her deep reverie.
“I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“I said, I hope you like soup.”
“Soup?”
His frown transformed into a smile.
Kennedy crossed her arms and tapped a bare foot on the linoleum floor. “What happened to you creating masterpieces?”
His smile widened. “Now this isn’t your ordinary, run-of-the-mill soup. This is my grandmother’s special recipe.”
“Your grandmother’s recipe?”
“Yes, ma’am. She’s the best cook this side of the Mississippi.”
She stared at him for a moment, then had to admit, “Well, it does smell pretty good.”
“If you think that’s something, wait until you taste it.” He turned and reached into a nearby cabinet and withdrew two bowls.
As he prepared everything, Kennedy couldn’t help but think that his giddiness reminded her of a child’s. It was obvious that the man loved to cook.
He placed the steaming bowls of soup on the dining-room table, and then went back into the kitchen to get spoons.
Kennedy sat down. “Do you have any salt and pepper?”
He stopped and looked as if she had kicked him. “You haven’t even tasted it yet.”
Suddenly, Kennedy felt as though she had grown two heads. “I always use—”
“Trust me, you won’t need it.” His smile returned as he joined her at the table.
She couldn’t help but return the gesture. Closing her eyes, she leaned over her bowl and inhaled the heavenly aroma. “Mmm.”
“Good, huh?”
Her eyes fluttered open and their gazes met. A warm, sweet sensation coursed through her. She swore that she was drowning in the dark pools of his eyes, and swore that it took more effort to breathe in his presence.
He lowered his gaze and the spell broke. “Go ahead and give it a try,” he said, not quite sounding like himself. He obviously noticed the difference, too, and cleared his throat.
Kennedy dipped her spoon and tasted Max’s “masterpiece.” She blinked once, and stared at her empty spoon.
“Well?” he probed.
She tasted it again, then eyed him suspiciously.
He continued to watch her expectantly.
Kennedy picked up her napkin and threw it at him. “This is Campbell’s soup!”
Max kicked back in his chair and a hearty laugh rumbled from his chest.
“I don’t believe you.” She wished she had something else to throw.
His laugh deepened and tears seeped from the corner of his eyes. “I had you going there for a moment.”
“You can’t cook, can you?”
“I plead the Fifth,” he said, wiping his eyes.
“I just bet you do, Chef Collier.”
“Aw, come on. You’re not mad at me, are you?”
“I knew that you were full of it. Canned soup is probably all you can handle.”
“I resent that.”
“But you don’t deny it?” Kennedy rolled her eyes and gave him the silent treatment.
“Okay, I’m sorry. I thought that you could use a good joke.” He sobered as he added, “Especially after the day you had. I just wanted to put a smile on your face.” He reached out and grasped her hand.
A familiar jolt of electricity surged through her. She met his gaze again, and then smiled. “Well, you succeeded. Thank you.”
Max’s gaze caressed her face. “The pleasure was all mine.”
Chapter 19
Max and Kennedy finished their dinner in silence, but not without their share of secret glances.
Kennedy couldn’t remember the last time she’d shared a meal with someone of the opposite