Chapter 14

After readingabout the love between Rose and Jacob last night, I wake feeling refreshed and light-hearted.

If only to have a love like they had—to know, once in a lifetime, what it would be like to love someone so much and for it to be returned.

Since Lucas has been spending time with Thomas, he’s been falling asleep pretty soon after going to bed and waking up after me, much to her delight.

After my morning shower, I dress in my favorite shorts and head downstairs only to find Lucas already sitting at the kitchen table reading.

“I thought you were in bed,” I comment, ruffling his hair as I walk past him to start the coffee.

“Thomas said he’s going to come for breakfast again, so I didn’t want to miss him.”

I laugh. “Oh, Lucas. I can assure you that there is no way you would have missed him.”

There’s a knock on the back door, and seconds after, Lucas bolts out of his chair, running to answer it while I root around in the bottom of the refrigerator for some eggs.

“Auntie Mack, it’s the very hot guy from next door,” Lucas shouts, which has me banging my head on the refrigerator.

I quickly turn to see the gorgeous man from last night standing at my backdoor, his eyes doing some looking of their own.

“Oh!” is the first thing that comes to mind, and out of my mouth. I can’t remember the last time I was so embarrassed. How am I going to get out of this one? Pretend Lucas hadn’t said anything.

Which is what I do. “Hi, I’m Mackenzie Harper, but everyone calls me Mack.”

He takes my outstretched hand, and I feel a spark of attraction race up my arm when our skin touches—the last thing I expected.

“Nice to meet you, Mack. I’m Dean Simone and I’ve moved in next door for a few weeks.” His lips twitch with amusement, and I don’t miss the look he passes over my body, his gaze hesitating over my legs.

Before anyone can respond, Lucas does, “She already knows. She was hanging out the window telling my mom on the phone when you arrived.”

With a shocked intake of breath, I slap a hand over Lucas’s mouth. “How many times have I told you not to listen to adult conversations?”

“It’s a bit difficult when I’m in the room when you’re having the adult conversation,” Lucas replies with a huge grin, knowing exactly what he is up to.

At a loss for words, I hustle Lucas into the living room to play a game, hoping Thomas will arrive soon.

I turn around and catch Dean looking at my legs, again. He very slowly moves up my body, his eyes finally connecting with mine.

I’m flustered, thanks to him and Lucas. “Dean, what can I do for you? I presume you called around for a reason?” I ask in a husky voice.

The man appears lost in thought, as I question, “Dean?” embarrassed, as he gives me another once-over.

“Oh, sorry. I seem to have forgotten things like coffee, milk, and sugar. I was wondering whether you would take pity on your new neighbor and loan me some.”

He has a killer smile, and I stutter in embarrassment. “That’s fine. In fact, there’s some fresh coffee over there if you want to help yourself to a cup.”

“Great, thanks.” He walks over toward the coffee, and while he pours a cup, his eyes track my every move.

I know he watches me as I start to cook breakfast.

Seconds later, Thomas walks through the backdoor with a bunch of tulips in his hands, making his way over to me, not noticing Dean as yet.

“Well, Mack, you look pretty good this morning. I think it’s time you went and introduced yourself to the young man next door.” He winks.

Dean clears his throat, trying not to laugh, causing Thomas to jump around in surprise. Dean smiles. “I’m Dean from next door,” he introduces.

Thomas looks back and forth between myself and Dean. “I’m Thomas.”

“Dean popped in to beg for coffee.” I smile at Thomas and continue, “Breakfast won’t be long. Lucas is waiting in the living room for you.” I watch Thomas walk away, and then turn toward Dean. “Would you like to stay for breakfast?”

“Mmm, I’m hungry…” he comments, chuckling when my eyes pop open at the innuendo in his voice.

Blushing, I announce, “How about pancakes?”

“I love pancakes.” He rubs his grumbling stomach.

I finish mixing the batter for the pancakes while I only half concentrate, as I find Dean’s presence overwhelming in the small kitchen. He seems to permeate every single space.

“You can go relax in the living room and watch them play Lucas’ game, if you’d like,” I say, trying to get him out of the kitchen before I do something stupid.

“No, I’m fine right here…watching you.”

Not knowing what to say, I turn my back to him and start cooking the pancakes.

Once made, I bend over to place the cooked pancakes into the oven to keep them warm, and closing the oven I turn, catching a strange look on Dean’s face. Ignoring him, I move toward the table and place warmed syrup and butter in the middle before I call Lucas and Thomas into the kitchen for breakfast.

After I place the food and drinks on the table, the only seat left is the one next to Dean, so with a quick glance at him, I take the seat. Our eyes meet as he smiles over a forkful of pancakes, but it assures me that his mouth is at least busy.

Eating in silence, I feel flustered, and I keep telling myself it really has nothing whatsoever to do with the really hot guy sitting next to me. Unfortunately, his voice matches his body, and he is no doubt, used to using his voice to get women to drop their panties. Squirming in my seat from the hot glances Dean keeps throwing my way, I decide a distraction is needed before I jump the guy.

“Auntie Mack?” Lucas says, and for once his interruption is appreciated.

“Yes, Lucas?” I silently thank my nephew.

“Will you make me a cake today, please? If I promise to be good.”

“I baked a pound cake yesterday. You can have a slice of that after dinner,” I offer, feeling myself blush, and certainly not admitting I’ve made it for Dean. “Now eat up, so you can go off with Thomas.”

I turn to Thomas, and ask, “What are you two up to today?”

He winks at Lucas. “Well, my buddy and I, thought we might dig for worms.”

I have taken a sip of coffee, which ends up going down the wrong way as I start to choke. Putting the cup down rather heavily, it sloshes everywhere. I jump up to grab some paper towels, only to find Dean already on the case.

Actually, he’s more interested in drying my legs than anything else.

“Dean, you about finished down there?” I stand with my hands on my hips, holding back amusement.

“I’ve not even started,” he whispers.

I open and close my mouth, lost for words as Dean remains on his knees, flirting with me.

In the end, he takes pity on my blushing form, and quickly stands, taking his seat.

I glance across the table only to see both Thomas and Lucas watching the show. Thomas looks as though he’s about to burst with laughter.

“Now where were we?” I ask once I’m seated again.

“Worms. They’re to use as bait because Thomas dropped the others,” Lucas announces with glee.

With a glare at both Thomas and Lucas, I can’t decide if they are serious or not and from the look on Dean’s face, neither can he.

“Where did you drop them?” I ask very slowly.

Both Lucas and Thomas look rather shifty. “I think it’s time to go. Come on, Lucas.”

“Okay, bye, Auntie Mack. Bye, Dean,” Lucas shouts as he skips off in front of Thomas.

I lean forward and put my head in my hands then groan. “Those two!”

Dean laughs. “Are they always like that?”

“Pretty much.”

I start moving the dishes from the table while Dean fills the sink with water and starts to wash them. I pick up a hand towel and dry them, still a bit stunned there is a sexy guy in my kitchen who doesn’t disappear the minute he’s finished eating—a keeper, as my mother would say.

It has been a really long time since anyone has flirted with me, and it feels really nice. The fact that Dean seems like a decent guy adds to the pleasure.

“Do you want to go for a ride on my bike?” Dean asks.

“You mean the Harley?” I ask with a huge grin on my face, pulling him out of his thoughts.

He winks. “Is there any other?”

“Give me five to put some jeans on.”

As I race upstairs, I hear Dean groan before he clears his throat. I love his reaction to me.

Not five minutes later, I stand before him in jeans. “You ready?” I ask, already on my way out the door.

“Oh, yes,” he whispers.

“What?”

With a small cough, he tries to clear the restriction in his throat. “Yes, let’s go.” He follows me outside, to where he’s parked up.

Standing beside his bike, Dean lifts the spare helmet from the back. He fastens it securely under my chin as I move closer to the warmth of his large body, but once on the bike, I hesitate, having no idea where to place my hands.

“Hold the brackets here and here,” Dean answers my unspoken question.

“Thanks.”

“Or me.” He grins before he puts his helmet on.

I take him at his word and slip my hands around his waist, my fingers edge beneath his T-shirt. I grin to myself as I feel his stomach muscles quiver—two can play the game.