the back of his neck and gives me a sheepish grin. “Too soon for me to say something like that?”
It should be. We barely know each other but… ”No.” Knowing he wants me on that level is comforting.
“So, tell me, when did you become a culinary goddess. I mean, you’re pretty young.”
Feeling a little less uncertain about things between us, I pick up my fork and relax. “Well, I was forced to learn how to cook. My mother died when I was eight.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
I shrug. “Thanks. She got very sick. As a kid, I didn’t really understand how serious it was until she was gone.” Swallowing the lump in my throat, I try not to think about the point when my life turned upside down. “My dad is completely useless in the kitchen.”
Bryce laughs. “I can’t knock him, so am I.”
Grinning from ear to ear, I continue. “I had to learn how to operate in the kitchen very quickly or my sister and I would have had to survive on a diet of cereal and Ramen noodles. Not very healthy.”
That elicits a roar of laughter from Bryce. “Not very healthy.”
“So you see why I had to learn. I love cooking and baking. It soothes me. I don’t have much time nowadays to really indulge in the culinary arts, though.”
“I’m certainly glad you had time today.”
Grinning from ear to ear like a fool, I duck my head, so he doesn’t see me blush.
I have a feeling I wouldn’t mind cooking for Bryce forever.
It’s too bad his marriage proposal was a joke, as it should be. But if it weren’t, cooking for him wouldn’t be a bad thing. It would be something I’d want to do.
I’m in trouble.
I’m falling for Bryce Marshall.
What am I going to do?
Chapter Ten
Bryce
With Abby finally fully relaxed, the morning is going even better than I expected. I’ve learned a lot about her. I’ve been soaking up the information like a sponge. It’s the first time I’ve ever been so interested in getting to know a woman inside and out. We’re still lounging in her living room after she garnered the courage to show me pictures of her family. Her reluctance at first was a little amusing. It seems she’s been so closed off from almost everyone for so long, she struggles to open up in the slightest ways. That’s why the smallest gestures that she makes to let me in are so special.
“So, you got a full academic scholarship to St. Jacobs. I’m impressed.”
Abby shrugs as if it’s no big deal. I know what it takes to get an academic scholarship. It’s hard work. “Beauty and brains,” I murmur. “That’s incredibly sexy.”
She snickers. “Nerds aren’t sexy. Charlie never fails to point out that I’m one. I can’t get mad at her for labeling me a nerd, though. I mean, I do have plenty of dorky ways.”
“You’re the hottest nerd I’ve ever seen for sure.”
Her face flushes as I expected. I’ve come to enjoy the sight of Abby blushing. I say things just to get that reaction. “Who’s this Charlie?” I hope my sliver of jealousy isn’t audible.
“My friend. She goes to St. Jacobs too. You must know her. She’s Chief Traverse’s daughter.”
Relief swamps me with the discovery that Charlie is a she. Then, dismay. Abby’s friend is the same Charlie that Dad keeps insisting that I hook up with. Awesome. “So you two are close?”
“She’s become my best friend. Other than my sister, I don’t have many friends. Charlie is a great person. She doesn’t care about my last name.”
Great. Her best friend. I’m going to have to work overtime to avoid Dad’s matchmaking. Damn the old man and his controlling ways. He wants to run everyone’s lives. “Yeah, she sounds pretty nice.” Stroking my jaw, I eye her with mild amusement. “I’m your friend too, right?”
Eyes dancing with merriment, she shifts on the couch to face me. “Come on, you know we’re a little more than that.”
Pleasantly taken aback, I turn to face her too, draping one arm on the back of the couch. I wasn’t expecting this response. “A little more, huh? I guess I’ll take it until we become a lot more.”
Her smile draws my attention to her mouth. Her lips are incredibly tempting, practically calling to me, begging me to taste them. I’m going to resist, however. No more moves until Abby gives me a sign. It’s important that I show her I’m willing to go as slow as she