Page 211 of Falling for the Grumpiest Protector

She smiles. “Go.”

I laugh and head for the bedroom. God, I've missed her.

When I come back, the kitchen smells like garlic, rosemary, and something simmering on the stove. Maddy is standing over a pan with a wooden spoon in one hand. She's taken off her jacket and rolled her sleeves above her elbows.

I stop in the doorway. She looks up. And goes still. Her gaze moves over me slowly enough that I notice. I run a hand through my damp hair, then glance down at my dark sweater and jeans.

"Is something wrong?"

"Nope." She turns back to the stove. "Not at all."

I smile.

"That smells good."

"It is."

"What is it?"

"Dinner."

"Can I taste it?"

She dips the wooden spoon into the sauce.

"Come here."

I do. She lifts the spoon toward my mouth. I lean in. Just before I can taste it, she pulls it away. Then she kisses me.

My breath catches. For half a second, I only look at her.

Maddy smiles. I take the spoon from her hand and set it on the counter. Then I kiss her back. Her hands settle against my chest. Mine find her waist. The kiss deepens, slow at first, then not slow at all. Weeks apart have left us with very little patience.

When I finally lift my head, her eyes stay closed for a second. I brush my mouth over hers once more.

"The sauce is getting cold."

Her eyes open.

"You never tasted it."

"I got distracted."

She laughs softly. I kiss the corner of her mouth.

"Worth it."

"Set the table, Martinez."

"Yes, Chef."

Dinner is simple: chicken with herbs from the garden, roasted vegetables, bread Maddy found in my freezer and somehow rescued from whatever I'd done to it. We talk while we eat. Noah and his new hat. Diego coming next weekend. Logan settling into the farm. Ordinary things. Things I haven't realized how much I've missed sharing with her across a table instead of through a phone.

Her hand rests beside her wineglass. I reach across and take it. Her fingers close around mine. For a moment, neither of us speaks.

Then she sets down her fork.

"I should probably tell you why I'm here."