a few minutes later, just as she walked back down the stairs. He accepted the food and paid for the delivery. Turning around, he faced her fully, taking her in. Fresh from the shower, she looked more seventeen than twenty-seven, but the way his cock twitched at the sight he was fuckin’ thrilled she was an adult.
Her honey-blonde hair was dark, still wet and hanging down her back. Dressed in comfortable yoga pants that cupped her hips and showcased her legs and a slouchy T-shirt that hung off one shoulder, exposing the strap of a black sports bra underneath. Her face had been scrubbed clean, and her green eyes were still slightly swollen from the pepper spray and having cried earlier.
Her gaze settled on the bags in his hands, and she asked, “How much food did you order?”
“Enough for us to have our fill and plenty for leftovers. Remember, everything in life seems a little better with Chinese food.”
Her snort erupted before a full-blown smile transformed her from beautiful to gorgeous. Her fresh-faced appeal slammed into him, but it was the sound of her laughter that jolted straight to his heart. His breath was shallow as though afraid any noise from him would interrupt her moment of happiness.
Deciding that all questions could wait, he walked forward with the bags in one hand, and with his other hand linked fingers with her, leading her into the kitchen. They worked in silence for a few minutes while she grabbed two plates from the cabinets and he pulled the containers from the bags. He had no idea what she might like, so he’d bought a variety. Sweet-and-sour chicken. Beef with snow peas. Egg rolls and crab rangoons. Sesame shrimp. Pork fried rice.
She stood next to him and stared down at the amount of food. “They gave us four fortune cookies.”
He grinned, continuing to set out the food. “That gives us extra chances for getting a good fortune.”
“I should warn you that I tend to get the worst fortunes in the history of the world.”
Time stood still as their gazes locked on to each other. “Then get used to your fortune changing.”
Her eyes widened, and he bent to kiss her forehead. “Let’s eat, babe.”
Sitting at her two-chair table after filling their plates, they began to eat. She used chopsticks, deftly maneuvering the food to her mouth with ease. Remembering she’d called herself a klutz, he smiled.
“What?” She halted mid-bite, the chopsticks still holding on to the piece of shrimp as her head tilted to the side. “What are you smiling at?”
“Sorry, but I was remembering you tripping on the cobblestones.” He inclined his head toward the chopsticks. “You’re perfectly coordinated with those.”
She chuckled and shook her head. “My coordination seems to be off when I try to walk in high heels. Or play sports. Or dance.” Shrugging, she added, “For some reason, chopsticks are easy for me. Perhaps, it’s because I’m anxious for the food to get from my plate to my mouth.”
He chuckled, and they continued eating in companionable silence. At the end, he picked up the four fortunes cookies and held them out. “Your choice.”
She narrowed her eyes as she gazed at them, seeming to ponder the selection with the utmost consideration. Finally, she lifted one from his palm and he chose one after her. Opening them at the same time, her brows snapped down once she had unwrapped the fortune.
“Seriously?” she groused. Turning it around so he could read it, she quoted, “The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.”
A bark of laughter erupted, and he flipped his around, not able to hide his smirk. “Success lies in the hands of those who want it.”
“Oh, my God. You’re also a fortune guru.”
“Come on, there are two more. Pick another.”
Her pout was as sexy as the earlier sparks from her eyes and once again she stared carefully at the two remaining cookies. Choosing one with great deliberation, they unwrapped them together.
“You go first,” she said.
Nodding, he read his then shrugged and turned it around. “Pretty innocuous one, I’d say. ‘You’ll get good news.’”
She nibbled on her lip as she read hers, then her eyebrows lifted, and a smile spread across her face. “When you live the life you love, then you’ll love life.” Looking up at him, she beamed. “I think that’s the best one I’ve ever gotten!”
“Told you, your fortune is about to change.”
She quickly sucked in her breath, holding his gaze as a slow smile