Page 69 of On Her Team
“You sound like a mini-Addy.”
She purses her lips.
“It’s a compliment.” Gage’s gaze meets mine. “Your sister is amazing.”
“I was right. I like him,” Mom declares. “Who’s hungry for lunch?”
Otis’s mouth gapes open. “That’s it? I’m not in trouble?”
She wraps her arms around him and kisses his cheek. “In trouble for protecting your sister? Never.”
For once, Otis doesn’t squirm to get away from her affection. He sinks into it. “Thanks, Mom.”
She releases him. “Now. Lunch. Who’s hungry?”
Gage’s stomach rumbles in response. “Sorry. I missed breakfast.”
“Don’t you need to get back?” Maybe this time he’ll get the hint.
He tweaks my nose. “Nope. Now,” he rubs his hands together. “How can I help?”
“I was planning on sandwiches.” Mom rakes her gaze over Gage’s form again. “But I’m thinking I need to add pasta for a big boy like you.”
He rubs his hand over his stomach. A stomach I happen to know is flat and hidden under his six-pack abs. Abs I touched and licked last night. I shiver.
“I love pasta,” Gage says and I remember I’m trying to push the man away and not draw him nearer.
“Penelope, Mila,” I order. “Clean up the living room while we prepare lunch.”
“But I didn’t cause any trouble, unlike Princess Penelope,” Mila whines.
“No name calling,” Mom says. “And do as your sister says.”
I follow Mom into the kitchen with Gage on my heels.
“Shall I make the pasta?” He doesn’t wait for a response before digging a pot out from underneath the oven and filling it with water. “Where’s the pasta and sauce?”
Mom points him to the correct cupboard since I’m too busy standing here with my mouth gaping open.
“What’s wrong?” he asks after setting the jar of sauce and bag of pasta on the counter.
“You’re…” I motion to the food and the stove.
“Cooking is the word you’re searching for.”
“But you don’t cook.”
His brow wrinkles. “Who says?”
“Don’t the Seals provide you with meals?”
“I wasn’t always a Seal. Besides, I want to help.”
“Let him help,” Mom insists.
“Fine. Whatever.” I give up. Gage isn’t going anywhere despite my numerous hints and outright demands.
I grab plates and silverware. But when I go to set the table, Otis grabs the items from me. “I’ve got this.”
