“And then the final step will be learning how to control the temperature of the fire?” she asked.
“Yep. That’s the trickiest stage of all.”
“Would it be okay if we did all the steps together?” Jazzy asked, realizing she enjoyed him hanging out in the kitchen, giving her tips and techniques. “You calm my nerves.”
“Really?”
“Uh-huh...” She paused. “Significantly.”
“You calm me too, Jazzy.” He searched her face and said in a whisper so low she barely heard, “While at the same time, you electrify me.”
They peered at each other and a sweet shiver went down Jazzy’s spine at the heated look in Roan’s eyes. She gulped past the lump in her throat.
Hard.
A brief knock sounded at the back door just before it opened. “Yoo-hoo, it’s Mom.”
“Grammy!” Trinity hollered, tossed her Play-Doh on the table, and ran for her grandmother coming through the mudroom.
Seconds later, Mrs. Sullivan, dressed in an elegant satin cocktail dress, came into the kitchen holding Trinity in her arms. “You’re going to have one cool scar, Doodlebug.”
Gingerly, Trinity touched her chin. “I fell down.”
“So, I heard. Don’t touch your chin, sweetheart. You don’t want germs getting into your cut.” Roan’s mom planted a kiss on her granddaughter’s forehead. “Oh,” she said, spying Jazzy. “I didn’t know you had company. Hello, Jazzy. How are you?”
“Once I perfect rugelach, I’ll be doing great, Mrs. Sullivan,” Jazzy said.
“Please call me Ava. After spending time with you in the hospital over this little toot’s tonsillectomy, I feel like we’re old friends.”
“I agree, Ava,” Jazzy said, even though Trinity had only been in the hospital for a day and a half. Roan’s mother had visited much of that time and the woman was keen on conversation. “I enjoyed our talks.”
“Not to sound rude or anything, but what are you doing here, Mom?” Roan asked.
“Don’t tell me you forgot.” Ava Sullivan shook her head.
“Forgot about what?” Roan frowned.
“Youdidforget.” Ava shot Jazzy an exasperated glance over the top of Trinity’s head. “The grandmother-granddaughter tea party is from four to six at the Bolger Mansion.”
“That’s today?”
Ava made a tsk-tsk noise. “You’ve had a lot on your plate. It’s my fault. I should have reminded you.”
“I’m sorry, Mom. Trinity’s not dressed for a formal tea party. Rain check?”
“Aww. It’s the annual grandmother-granddaughter tea and this is the first year Trinity’s been old enough to sit still for the event.”
“I’ve just got too much going on.”
“Why don’t you leave it all to me? I’ll get Trinity dressed and then I’ll take her home for the night. Would you like a sleepover with Grammy, kiddo? Grampa is making tacos for dinner.”
“Yay! Tea party! Sleepover! Tacos! Canna go, Daddy, canna?”
“You sure you want to?” he asked.
“Yes!” Trinity declared.
“You won’t see me again until tomorrow morning,” he said.