“Deal.”
Gray smiled at her and an overwhelming urge to put space between them sent her toward the kitchen.
“There’s a take-out menu in the drawer next to you.”
She liked cooking and experimenting with dishes too mu
ch to order take-out often. Still, she pulled out the too-lazy-to-cook card at times and called for delivery. Since she’d moved to Lincoln, she’d tried several different places and the pizza restaurant located on Mendon Road in Cumberland was, by far her favorite or at least her favorite that would deliver.
Kiera measured out flour while Gray placed the order. For several minutes afterward, the entire apartment remained silent. She didn’t know what he was doing, and since he remained almost as far from her as possible in the small apartment, she didn’t turn around to look.
Maybe he was playing a game on his phone or checking his email. Either activity should keep him occupied while she baked and continuously reminded herself that this was Gray Sherbrooke. She shouldn’t be thinking of him as anything but an old friend. She didn’t need to impress him. Well, unless he planned to open a gourmet restaurant somewhere. And if he planned to do that, she better prepare something besides chocolate cupcakes.
“Do you need any help?”
She spun around, her arm clipping the mixing bowl, almost sending it to the floor. Somehow, though, Gray managed to catch it before flour went everywhere.
“Are you okay?” Gray put the bowl back on the counter.
“I forgot you were here.” Yeah, like that would ever happen.
Gray’s mouth dropped open. “I don’t think any woman has ever said that to me before. I think I’ve been insulted.” He crossed his arms. “Maybe I should take my pizzas when they get here and go see your pole-dancing neighbor.”
Kiera tightened her grip on the vanilla. “I just meant that you were so quiet that I got caught up in what I was doing.”
Gray studied her, and she tried not to fidget.
“Joking, Kiera. You do remember what that is, right?” He stepped closer and reached for her hand. “If you hold this any tighter, you’re going to break it.” He pulled her fingers from the bottle. “Are you sure you’re okay? You’re trembling.”
“Caffeine withdrawal. I didn’t have my afternoon cup yet.” The lie flew out of her mouth.
“Gotcha. Happens to me all the time. Tell me where the coffee is and I’ll make us some.”
She doubted he ever suffered from her current aliment, but since he believed her excuse, she’d stick with it.
“Coffee’s in the corner cupboard.”
Somehow, she finished the cupcake batter without once again putting her foot in her mouth. She even thought she got the recipe correct, although it was possible she’d added too much sugar. With Gray in the tiny space that claimed to be a kitchen, she had a little trouble focusing on anything but him.
“These babies are ready for the oven.” Kiera opened the door. “I’ll do the dishes after we eat.”
The pizzas hadn’t arrived, but they should show up soon. At least she hoped so; her stomach kept making the most unladylike sounds.
“Health experts say you shouldn’t eat uncooked batter because of the raw eggs, but I can’t bake cupcakes and not lick the bowl.” Kiera ran her finger along the inside of the bowl and then licked the batter off. “Mmmm, perfect.” If she’d added too much of something or left something out, she couldn’t tell. “Want a taste?” She nodded toward the bowl.
Gray didn’t comment. Instead, he left his seat and approached her, reminding her a bit of a lion stalking his prey.
Why, oh why, did he have to look so sexy? She wanted to lick him the same way she’d licked the batter from her finger.
Without any warning Gray took her hand and used her finger to scoop up the chocolate batter. She watched as he lifted her hand toward his mouth, and about half a second before he closed his lips around her finger, she realized his intent. But by then, it was too late.
His tongue ran along her finger, and then he sucked the remaining batter off. Right away, a mental image of him doing the same thing somewhere else on her body danced before her eyes. Heat spread throughout her, and she swallowed, frozen in place.
He pulled her finger from his mouth. “Delicious.” Gray maintained eye contact as he kissed the top of her hand. His breath traveled over her skin, sending shivers up her arm.
“You, uh, always did love chocolate.” Her voice came out far from casual, but considering the circumstances, that came as no surprise.
He lowered their hands, but didn’t let go. “I didn’t mean the batter.”