My stomach growls at the smell of garlic and cream.It’s been so long since I’ve had a homemade meal, and I can’t wait to dig in.I see Jem smile, ducking her head to hide it from me.
“Join me?”I ask as I lift the tinfoil off the dish.
“Oh, I only brought one fork,” she says, trying to wave me off.
“I don’t mind sharing.”
I don’t wait for a response before I stand and drag my chair over to sit next to her.I dig in, forking up a bite and bringing it to her bee-stung lips.She blushes as she opens and lets me feed her.
I never thought of eating or feeding someone as erotic, but I can’t deny that I’m rock hard as I watch Jem’s lips close around the fork.When she moans at the flavor, I nearly come in my pants.
I take a bite, trying to distract myself and get my body under control.
It’s no use.
We eat together in silence for a few minutes, with me feeding her, then taking a bite for myself.It hits me out of nowhere how right this all feels.It’s easy being with Jem, like we’re missing puzzle pieces that click together.
“How’s work today?”she asks me after a bit.
“Good.A bit slow.The rain last night means we can’t get machines to certain areas right now.”
“So, you’ll have an easy day?Maybe you can go home early,” she suggests with a smile.
“Maybe,” I agree.“What about you?”
“Well, my friend Fern is coming in this afternoon.She’s the bride of the wedding we’re going to.She found a dress, but I need to pin it for alterations.Then we need to decide on a veil, shoes, and accessories.Plus, we need to go over what she wants for her bridal shower and her bachelorette party.It should be a small thing for those.I don’t think Fern is inviting her parents or family.I don’t blame her.From everything she’s said, they sound terrible.”
“Really?”
I don’t care about her friends’ families.I just love hearing Jem talk.She’s getting all worked up over her friend not being treated right, and I love to see it.It shows how loyal and compassionate my little Shortcake is.
“Oh, yeah,” she says, taking a bite and chewing.“She just got back from spending a week there for her cousin’s wedding.That’s where she met her fiancé, Jackson, so at least something good came out of it.I listened to her vent about that wedding for a year.Her cousin was a total bridezilla.They treated her like the help instead of family.”
“Shitty of them,” I comment.
“Really shitty.I’m glad she’s not putting up with that crap anymore.Not with Jackson there to show her the respect she deserves.”
“They met and got engaged quickly,” I say, feeding her the last bite.
“When you know, you know, I guess,” she says softly.
We lock eyes, and I swallow hard.Is she trying to tell me something?Can she feel this thing between us?Is she saying she knows we’re meant to be too?
“I thought they would have a longer engagement, but I think they’re so in love that they want to be married already,” she says with a laugh.“So now we’re speeding through planning.Luckily, Fern is a wedding planner, so she has most of it handled, and I’ll just be there to assist.”
“Sounds like you’ll be busy until the wedding,” I comment.
Jem nods, taking the bite I offer her.“Very.”
I guess that means no more dates this week.I’m disappointed, but I know she has a lot to get done in a short amount of time.Still, maybe I should call Camden and ask him how I’m supposed to show my girl that I’m her perfect match when I can barely spend any time with her.
“I should get back to it,” Jem says, pushing to her feet.
I stand too, trying to figure out how to get her to stay longer, but I know she has to work.
“Thanks for lunch,” I tell her sincerely.
She smiles.“I’m glad you liked it.”