She’d never met Bella, but she knew Keith adored his only niece.
“But you often buy yourself flowers, and you don’t have any right now, so I thought you’d like some. If you don’t want me to do it again, I won’t.”
“I love them. Later, when we have more time, I’ll show you how much I appreciate them.” She kissed his cheek, a much safer option than his lips because their guests should be there soon, and she still had work to do.
Keith’s palms traveled down her arms before settling on her waist and tugging her closer. “I won’t forget you said that.” He whispered the words near her lips before kissing her. “After I left the florist, I went into the new bakery next door and got some desserts.”
In her book, there was no such thing as too much dessert.
Less than fifteen minutes later, as she washed down the counter, the doorbell rang for a second time that night.
“I got it,” Keith said before she could ask him to answer the door so she could finish cleaning.
A woman’s voice reached her a few seconds later. “We would’ve been here about ten minutes ago, but there was an accident at the intersection of Maple and Grove. It looked like someone ran the red light.”
Since she’d lived in the area, there seemed to be at least one accident at the intersection every month.
Maddie wouldn’t have recognized the thirty-something-year-old woman who entered the kitchen six months ago. Unlike her, Keith didn’t have family photos displayed in his apartment, and if his sister had visited him since he started working for Elite Force, she’d never met the woman. But, thanks to the media and the photos it had published ever since Jen and Brett began dating a few months ago, Maddie recognized Keith’s youngest sister.
“Jen, Brett, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Maddie.”
The counter behind her and years of trying to be prepared for anything kept her upright. Not even an hour ago, she’d been thinking about how Keith had never used the term, at least around her, and now he was introducing her to his sister as his girlfriend. Maybe their relationship could handle the exchange of house keys.
Some people were huggers, and others weren’t. Jen fell into the first category. “I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s great to meet you and finally put a face to the name. Thank you for having us over tonight,” she said, embracing Maddie.
The other woman’s greeting raised all kinds of questions. Maddie couldn’t put her finger on exactly why, but Jen’s tone when she said “finally meet you” gave Maddie the impression Keith had mentioned her before they started dating. And what did “a lot” entail? Had he talked about the team as a whole and shared info about everyone? Or had he singled her out? And if so, what had he told his sister?
Although Spencer had met Keith, she’d never talked to her brother about him. And she didn’t think Tucker even knew Keith existed. The only person she’d shared specific details about him with was her younger sister, Autumn—something Maddie often wished she’d never done. Right up until Autumn learned they’d kissed in Maddie’s kitchen, every chance Autumn got, she’d encouraged her to pursue him despite the fact they worked together.
Despite being more of the handshaking type, Maddie returned Jen’s hug. After all, what other choice did she have? “Anytime. You could say cooking is a hobby of mine, but I don’t get to do it as often as I’d like.”
“I’m sure my brother loves that. Keith’s out of luck if it requires much more than boiling water or popping something in the microwave.”
“How many times have I grilled steaks and burgers at your house?” Keith asked.
“Cooking and grilling are not the same things.”
The topic didn’t require Maddie’s input, but she gave it anyway. “Your sister is technically right, Keith.”
“Don’t bother, Keith; you’re not going to win this one,” Brett said when it appeared Keith planned to press the matter. “We didn’t know what you were preparing.”
Brett handed her a bottle of chardonnay and a cabernet. She didn’t recognize the names on the labels, but she’d bet her monthly salary they both cost three times more than what she bought.
“The chardonnay is perfect. Thank you.” She had white and red wine on hand if they needed more than one bottle. “Dinner is ready. If the three of you want to sit down, I’ll bring everything in.”
Since the room was small and she lived alone, she’d opted for a small pub-style table that only accommodated two in the kitchen rather than a full-size table and chairs set. She used the dining room if and when she had more than one guest. Although not an enormous room either, she’d found a dining room nook set that fit well in the corner and seated six if she added the extra table leaf.
“I’ll give you a hand,” Jen said.
She didn’t need the help, but she wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth either, as her mom would say. If Jen stayed, it would give Maddie a chance to ask a few of the questions from her list—a rather long list that included not only Keith but Jen and Brett’s relationship.
Keith had told her Jen and Brett’s initial friendship had started via a letter his sister had included in her girl scout troop’s care packages to Keith and Brett’s unit. A closet romantic, with the romance novels to prove it, Maddie wanted to know more. What had it been like when they finally met face-to-face? Who’d made the first move out of the friend zone?
Rather than get her butt into gear, Maddie considered what to ask first and admired Keith’s ass as he and Brett walked away. It truly was something to marvel at.
“What can I do?” Jen asked, interrupting Maddie’s visual inspection.
“Can you get me the large glass bowl from the cabinet next to the fridge… and maybe answer a few questions?” Maddie answered as she transferred the chicken to a serving dish.