AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I hate that I’m warming to him. Maybe it’s because he’s kept my secret so far, plus he offered me a place to stay with a bedroom and bathroom all of my own. “What are you making?”
“I’m trying to replicate my dad’s burgers.”
“Why?” I round the island and take the stool on the far end, watching him take out a bowl and some seasonings.
He shrugs. “I just like figuring shit out.” He eyes me for a second, dumping the ground beef into the bowl. “I’m not a big secret guy.”
“Oh—”
He puts up his hand. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just want to figure this out because it’s a childhood memory. My dad makes these burgers every time we celebrate or as a reward or for bribery.” His mouth twists and his eyebrows raise. “Lately, it’s been about bribery.”
“I can help.”
He shakes his head. “First you need to give me a rule.”
I place my chin in my hand. “How do I top crushing the bottles down for recycling?”
He points at me. “I like this version of you.”
“Which version?”
“Relaxed… nice.” His head tilts. “Are you going to tell me why you hate me?”
That wall I keep around myself reinforces with another layer of cement. “Nope.”
He nods. “But you’re starting to like me.”
He’s right, but I’m not telling him that. How could the hatred I’ve let fester over the years not diminish with this adult version of him? His confidence is what attracted me to him in high school. The way he walked the halls and was friendly with everyone. He was four years older, and I wasn’t alone with my crush. Most girls at school liked Emmett.
“Not sure why you think that.”
“I love the act. Deny until proven wrong.” He grabs some seasoning, measures, and writes it down in a notebook. So meticulous and calculating. Two traits I didn’t know Emmett possessed.
“You’ve surprised me,” I admit, regretting my words immediately.
He looks at me from the corner of his eye, and the cutest smile slowly creases his lips. “Good.” Then he winks, which I realize creates a tornado of butterflies in my stomach.
We sit in silence while I watch him continue to try to master the recipe. I’m so mesmerized that I don’t realize he asked a question until his hands stop moving. My gaze flows up his arms, past his broad shoulders, to his eyes pinned on me.
“I’m sorry?”
“Rule. Time for you to come up with one.”
“Well, I could say the toilet seat, but I’ll probably only use my bathroom upstairs. You keep a clean house. I do have a question though.”
“Shoot.” He forms the meat into balls.
“Obviously, you’ll bring women home?—”
“Why do you think that?” He smirks and goes to the sink, washing his hands.
“Oh please.”
“I’ll let you in on a little secret, what with me knowing your big one.” He grabs the paper towels and leans against his counter, crossing his ankles, his gaze on me.
“You don’t?—”
“I don’t bring women home. Anymore.”
