Page 77 of Finding Redemption

I take her by the hips, leading her to the front doors. “You haven’t experienced the kind of sex I want to harass you with, love.”

“Do tell.” She trembles as I lean in.

“In due time.” I unlock the door, holding it open. “This way.” Pointing to the stairs on the right of the entrance.

“What’s up here?” She peeks around the corner.

“My dungeon.”

“Funny. You don’t scare me, Pennington.” She walks beside me up the steps until we come to the landing. There are two rooms with the doors shut, a full kitchen and a long wall at the opposite end of the building.

“Welcome to my home.” I walk over to the refrigerator, opening it wide. “Drink?”

“Sure.” She looks around the room. I follow her gaze as she takes in her surroundings. A table and a few chairs are scattered about with a few lights.

“Sit where ever you like. We’ll get comfortable after the food is ready.” I duck my head behind the door. “I have Fireball and Jager.”

“Can you make a Hot Pepper?” Her voice vibrates with nervousness.

“Not only can I make it but I’ll have one also.” I get busy making our drinks. “I love Dr. Pepper.”

“Yeah? Me too.” She takes the drink from me.

“Really?” I cock my brow. “Wonder what else we have in common?”

“I could guess.” She smirks.

“Do you like pasta? I’m making fettuccine alfredo for us.”

“You ordered?” Her forehead wrinkles.

“No, I’m cooking. Do you like Alfredo?”

“It’s cheese sauce and pasta.” Reese stares blankly at me. “I’m a fat girl. That’s like asking if I like ice cream.” She giggles until she glances at me. I’m not laughing. “What?”

“Don’t do that.”

A line appears between her eyes. “Don’t do what, exactly?”

“Don’t put labels on yourself. Isn’t it bad enough we live in a world that uses labels to define a person for what they think they know about them when it’s only what they see? I’ve battled it my entire life. I refuse to listen to it.”

“I’m sorry. I guess I’m used to no one caring.” She shrugs.

I bend over her, coming nose to nose. “Demand better. You deserve it.”

“Should we discuss what you think you deserve?” She nuzzles me and chills race up my back.

“After we eat.” I run my hand down her leg, raising it. She gasps as I graze her ankle with my lips. “I’ll take these.” I slip her shoe off, dropping it to the floor. “Keep them close for later.”

“You forgot one,” she says, sticking her opposite leg out.

“Sorry.” I take the heel off, kissing her calf. “Let me get some food on.”

“Would you like some help?” Her eyes sparkle, and my mouth goes dry. She’s beautiful.

“I’m good. Thank you.”

“Do you cook for your ladies often?” She saunters over to the stove.