This shouldn’t be the single most erotic moment in my life, yet here I am, panting like a dog in heat.
I clear my throat and take a step back. “That reminds me, thank you for leaving that container of food on my porch last night.”
He shrugs like it’s no big deal. “You should eat protein after a run.”
“Pfft. A pizza hits three of the major food groups.”
He shakes his head, but the hint of a dimple sinks into his cheek.
“It was really good. I wish I could cook like you. I’ve actually been thinking of enrolling in a cooking class. Do you know of any in the area?”
“I learned to cook from my mother.” He twists the knob and shuts the burner. “I didn’t take any classes.”
“I guess I can Google it. There has to be something.”
“I can teach you.”
My eyebrows jump. “You’d do that?”
“It’d save you the money.”
“I can pay you for your time.”
He shakes his head. “I won’t take your money.”
“Well, if you’re sure you don’t mind, then I’ll take you up on that offer. Just a few simple dishes, nothing fancy.”
He nods. “Sure.”
“I’m going to drop dead from hunger in here,” Leo yells. “And Dad’s looking a little pale. I think he has low blood sugar.”
James pinches the bridge of his nose. “Why don’t you set the table if you’re so hungry?”
“I’m too weak to move.”
I stifle a laugh. “Just think, last week you were looking for him to come home.”
“It was a lot quieter here without him.”
I pat him on the shoulder and snatch the bread basket off the counter. “You know you wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
James carries in a bowl for each of us, and then we’re shoveling forkfuls of pasta into our faces.
“This tastes just like your mother made it.” Jim dabs his mouth with a napkin. “You’ve outdone yourself, James.”
“Was she a chef?” I look around the table, posing the question to anyone who wants to answer.
Jim shakes his head. “She just loved feeding her family. I never saw her as joyful as she was when she was in the kitchen. It came naturally to her.” The boys remain quiet, staring down at their bowls as their father continues. “Leo never had the patience for it, but James was like his mother’s shadow. They were really close.”
Leo glances up at me. “Dad and I would tinker with our toys in the garage until we’d smell dinner.”
I smile. “That’s how I was with my dad. I wanted to learn whatever he was doing. Whether he was under the hood of his car, or mowing the lawn, I was right out there with him asking him a million questions.”
Jim laughs. “And I bet he answered every one of them.”
“He did.”
Leo takes a gulp of his iced tea. “What about your mom? Were you close with her too?”