Cheesy on the Eyes by Teagan Hunter Page 0,7

when she pulls a piece away and sets it on her plate. A few chocolate candies fall astray, and she picks them all up, popping them into her mouth, not wanting to miss a single bit of the dessert.

She wasn’t kidding when she said she loves sweets.

I don’t know why I ordered a whole dessert pizza, especially since they only come in large. I’m not big on sweets myself, but seeing her excitement about the pile of sugar in front of us makes it all worth it.

Thea lifts the slice to her mouth, taking a huge bite of the chocolate, marshmallow, candy piece concoction. This monster—all puns intended seeing as it’s a Halloween-themed creation—is topped with all kinds of candy you never thought you’d see on pizza.

Somehow, I bet it works. That’s just the magic Simon Daniels wields.

Slice is the most popular pizza place on the coast, if not the entire state. Hardcore pizza enthusiasts travel hundreds of miles to try his think-outside-the-box creations, and he ought to be damn proud of himself for his accomplishments.

Thea moans around the sweet treat. “Oh fuck. Fuuuuuck.”

She draws the word out in a way that should solely be reserved for the bedroom and not utilized in public places, especially since it makes my dick jump to life.

“Good?” I tease, adjusting my jeans, which are suddenly feeling too tight, as I try to pretend her sounds don’t affect me.

“Did you just rearrange your dick and balls because I moaned?”

I choke.

On my own fucking spit.

Right in front of her.

“Jesus, Thea,” I manage to force out. “Simon wasn’t kidding about you.”

She grins at me, nothing apologetic in her smile. “What can I say? I’m nothing if not honest.”

I want to laugh, because she definitely wasn’t honest when she tricked her ex-boyfriend into thinking we’re dating, but…semantics.

I certainly didn’t let that stop me from helping her.

There was something about her that screamed genuine.

And though she wanted me to lie, which I am not a fan of, I couldn’t ignore my instinct.

She takes another bite and emits another moan. This time I’m inclined to believe she’s doing it just because she knows it affects me.

I ignore her and grab a slice for myself.

“This is an awful lot of sugar,” I say, eyeing the pie.

“And every single bite is worth it. Just eat it. Trust me.”

“Trust you? That’s a bold request from someone I just met. I don’t even know your last name.”

“Schwartz,” she says as she swallows, dabbing her lips with her napkin. “Thea Schwartz.”

“Schwartz…” I know I’ve heard that name around these parts before. “Is that like—”

“Jonas Schwartz? Star NFL quarterback? Yes.” She rolls her eyes, but the smile playing on her lips shows her pride. “He’s my little brother.”

“Damn.” I let out a low whistle. “Didn’t he almost lead his team to the Super Bowl his first year playing?”

“Fucking braggart,” she says, but again, there’s no disdain in her voice. She’s clearly proud of her brother’s accomplishments, and I kind of adore that.

“I heard he’s getting married. Congratulations to him.”

“What about you? What’s your last name?”

“Not one I want to be associated with,” I tell her honestly.

She pauses in her movements, the slice of pie she’s about to take another chunk from poised at her mouth.

Thea looks like she wants to ask questions, but to my very pleasant surprise, she doesn’t.

Instead, she takes another bite, chewing slowly, eyeing me.

I don’t back down from her curious stare, letting her take her fill of me, drawing her conclusions.

I’m used to it.

Growing up with a convict for a father will do that.

When I saw my ticket out of that town, I took it. My arrival here wasn’t necessarily quiet considering the first thing I tried to do was fight my now best friend Winston Daniels, but I’m just chalking that up to one too many whiskeys. I’m not even much of the drinking type, but that night called for it.

I’ll do anything to protect my family, especially considering all we’ve been through.

“So, Sullivan No-Last-Name, what are you doing the rest of the day?”

“Is that your way of inviting me back to your place for that sex you owe me?”

She doesn’t even bat an eye. “As long as you don’t mind my roommate playing director, we’re all good.”

“Gosh, I’ve always wanted to be an actor. I guess this can be my big break. Just make sure you film my good side.”

“Oh, don’t worry. We’ll get plenty of your ass in the shot.”

I grin. “You haven’t even seen my ass.”

“You’re right.