Page 32 of Tracking Payton
He thought about running out of the house, but he really didn’t want to set off a landmine. So he stayed put, until he caught a scent that made his stomach grumble, reminding him how long it had been since he’d last eaten.
He was up and moving before he knew it. Alex followed his nose to the kitchen and stood rooted on the spot as he stared at Payton bent over, pulling something out of the oven. He had no idea what it was because he couldn’t tear his gaze off her ass in skin tight black yoga pants.
He thought he’d have a heart attack when she turned around holding a casserole dish up just under her breasts.
Breasts that weren’t supported by a bra. He could see the hard outline of her nipples through the flimsy material of her shirt.
He couldn’t even call it a shirt. A shirt would have more material and cover her body.
“Oh hey, Alex.” She greeted him with a grin as if she didn’t have a care in the world. “I hope you’re hungry.”
He was, but not for food. “What is it?” He made sure to keep the kitchen counter between them. One, to help keep his distance and another so she didn’t see his raging hard on.
“Nothing too fancy. Chicken enchiladas,” she announced, pulling down plates and getting silverware.
“Do you need a hand?” He needed something to occupy him so he didn’t keep staring at her like a lecher.
“You can get the silverware.” She tilted her head toward the fridge. “It’s in the top drawer next to the fridge.”
“It’s a bit cold in here; you should put on a sweater. You wouldn’t want to catch a chill,” he said nonchalantly as he set the table.
“I’m fine actually.” She shrugged, not catching his subtle hint to put some clothes on.
He wondered if he should say something about the fact her nipples were poking out, but he held his tongue. If she wasn’t going to make a big deal out it, then neither would he.
Payton joined him at the table, depositing his plate in front of him. His mouth started salivating at the aromatic scents. “This smells delicious.”
“It tastes pretty good too.” She winked. “Or so everyone tells me.”
Alex took a hearty bite. Tastes exploded on his tongue. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had a home cooked meal like this. His teammates and he got together all the time to eat. but it never tasted like this. No one was a Suzy Homemaker. The closest was Catherine, but she was more of a baker than a cook.
“What do you think?” Payton asked hesitantly.
“It’s incredible.” Payton beamed under his words, and it spread a heat in his chest knowing he’d put the smile on her face.
He blinked a few times then focused on his plate, scarfing down the food like a starved man.
“You know there is still plenty in there. This isn’t your last meal,” Payton teased sitting back in her chair having finished her plate.
“Sorry, it was just really good.” Payton didn’t look like she was buying it.
“So what have you been up to since you graduated?”
Alex wiped his face with his napkin and sat back in his chair, mirroring her actions. “I went into basic and after a few years applied for Delta Forces, and I’ve been doing it ever since.” Normally his Delta status was top secret, but he’d never made it a secret growing up that was what he planned to do.
“And you’ve been in touch with my father all this time?” She didn’t sound upset by that, only curious.
“I owe him everything, Payton. If it wasn’t for him…” He clamped his mouth shut. He didn’t like thinking about his life before Nick took him in. Gave him a family. Gave him stability. If it wasn’t for Nick, he’d probably be dead.
“Hey.” Payton reached across the table and placed her hand over his clenched fist. “I’m sorry I brought it up.”
Alex pulled his hand free and placed both his hands in his lap under the table. “You didn’t do anything wrong. I talk to your dad every few months. What about you?”
“What about me?”
“A police officer.” Alex never would have pegged her for a cop. Growing up she had been sensitive, always trying to follow him around. She was a far cry from that woman today.
Payton chuckled as she sat back in her chair. “Oh that.”
