Testing Recipes for Disaster (Emberwood #2)

Chapter 30- Jeremy

L auren’s fridge left much to be desired, but there were eggs and everything I needed for pancakes. Only because all my stuff was still there; otherwise, we would be eating pickles with a side of ketchup. I made a mental note to grab her some staples the next time I went to the store.

I had prepped the pancake batter and was waiting for the pan to heat when she entered the kitchen and wrapped her arms around me from behind.

“You know, if you’re not careful, I could get used to this treatment and actually start acting like a princess.”

She let go and started making coffee.

“I will take my chances.”

I flipped the first pancakes and started beating the eggs. I glanced again at the half-finished purple wall and thought about our conversation from the car-breakdown day.

“Did you get a chance to make an appointment for the ADHD eval or whatever?”

“Would you believe me if I said yes, I got right on that and have an appointment on Monday?”

“Not when you put it that way, no.” I raised my brows at her.

“That’s just as well. It shows you have good instincts.” She plopped down at the island and scrolled through her phone. “I did look at like a hundred online checklists, and I’ve diagnosed myself with ADHD. Does that count?”

“Definitely progress.”

I finished the pancakes, quickly scrambled some eggs, and put her plate in front of her.

“Do you want me to call and make the appointment?”

“No, it’s fine. I’ll get to it.”

“Laur... I’m not asking because I think you can’t. You seemed so overwhelmed that day, and I don’t want you to keep feeling like that. So, if I can help, please let me help. But if you tell me to let it go, I’ll do that, too.”

She looked at me, her annoyed expression fading somewhat as she took a large bite of pancake.

“You don’t have to call. Just stand there and look at me, and I’ll do it.

“I guess I can bear that hardship.”

She rolled her eyes but got on the phone with her doctor’s office.

Approximately five minutes later, she was punching in her appointment to her phone calendar.

“Next Friday. Happy?”

“If you are.”

She dropped her faux attitude at that, and we finished breakfast in a comfortable silence.

“I gotta be at work at eleven. Do you need a ride anywhere? I promise I’ll try to have your car done tomorrow if the part gets here on time.”

“Ah, no. Sam’s picking me up soon. Today is bridesmaid dress day!”

“Oh, that’s cool. I probably need to rent a tux soon, right?”

She almost snorted. It was cute. “As if this wedding would have you dressing in a regular tux. So silly. I’ll be figuring out your suit situation. Speaking of, I need your measurements and sizes in case I see anything today while I’m out.”

“I think you’re familiar with my most impressive measurement.”

Lauren legitimately snorted at that. “You didn’t just say that. You’re worse than a teenage boy.”

“Sorry, I had to.”

I could have given her my inseam and sizes, but it was much more fun to pretend like I wasn’t sure and have her measure me. I stretched out on her couch when she was finished and laughed when she did, too, right on top of me.

“Hi there.”

“Hi. Thank you for breakfast. And everything before breakfast. And last night. Five stars for all of it, really.”

She laid her head on my shoulder, and I could feel her heartbeat against my chest.

“Definitely five stars. I...this is going to sound dumb, I think. But I’m going to say it anyway,” I said, stroking her back.

“I hope so. I’ve said a crap ton of dumb stuff to you, even in the last twenty-four hours.”

“Nothing you said was dumb, Laur. I guess I don’t know if you need space or if it’s like, a given that I’ll come here after happy hour tonight or see you this weekend? I haven’t done this in a very long time. You’re also welcome at my apartment anytime. It’s not as homey as your place, so—”

“Oh. Ummm, I don’t know either. We’re both working tomorrow, so it might make sense for you to stay here?”

“Okay. That seems... practical.”

Her head lifted so she could look me in the eyes.

“Is that all right? You seem disappointed with that answer.”

I cleared my throat. This was such an uncomfortable space. Being vulnerable with people was not something I did often.

“I guess I want to know how you feel rather than what you think.”

Her face softened, and she laid back down, snuggling into me.

“Well, the less practical part of me wants you here all the time. Preferably cooking for me and being shirtless so I can admire your tattoos while you work.”

“That can be arranged.”

“How do you feel?”

“I am afraid I’ll never leave if you don’t kick me out. But I’m going to try to be more reasonable than that. I guess I’m saying, don’t be afraid to tell me to go home, okay? I won’t take it personally.”

“Yes, you will.”

“Yes, I will. But I’ll understand it anyway.”

I dropped a kiss on her head and resolved to get up and go to work in five more minutes.

ALL THE OIL CHANGES in the world couldn’t have brought me down. I was thoroughly disgusting when I got off shift, though, grease and sweat are a stellar combination. I discarded my coveralls and cleaned up what I could before heading home to shower. I had approximately eleven texts from Laur. Most of them were her looking sexy in what I assumed were bridesmaid dress options, but one photo in the middle stopped my scroll.

LAUR: We stopped at this bakery in Centerville and they’re looking for a part-time person. Sam and I both chatted with the owner, and obviously, she loved us because we’re sort of dynamic, but anyway, we told her all about you, and Sam showed her photos from the shower, and she said you should reach out. Her name is Delaney. Photo is of the job posting!

JEREMY: You look amazing in all of them. And I’ll for sure send her my portfolio. Thanks, baby

LAUR: It does things to me when you call me that. Even more so when you’re in my bed. See you in a bit.

I groaned inwardly and adjusted myself, now forced to carry my jacket in front of me on the way out to my car. I was going to have to get my shit together. Tonight was the first time we were hanging out with Jesse since we stopped pretending we weren’t into each other. He’d calmed down about me flirting with Lauren, thanks to Sam and whatever magic she did, but it was possible it might be a different story once it was a little more upfront.

Maybe not. Lauren never took issue with him and Sam.

But in my head, I knew it wasn’t exactly the same because Laur was his younger sister. Maybe I should have thought about talking to him before right this minute, but it was a little late now.

I was late getting to The Bar because I knew I’d be distracted all night if I didn’t send over at least an introductory email and my portfolio, which looked a hell of a lot better after I let Sam work on it. It was only part-time work to cover two weekday mornings, but it would be a great first step, and I’d still be able to work at the garage and keep my income stable. My chest felt light like I could breathe fully after being deprived of air. My brain, on the other hand, warned me to be on the lookout for potential toxins in that air, that things didn’t all fall into place and stay that way. That there had to be a catch. All those thoughts could fuck right off, though.

I walked into The Bar and slid into the seat next to Laur while she was excitedly showing pictures on her phone of the dresses from earlier to Gen. I shrugged off my jacket and greeted the rest of the table. Gen and Danny, and occasionally Gen’s husband or a date Danny brought, were our new additions to our weekly happy hour. I’d decided to forgive Danny for the shit he gave me when we hung out because he was kind of hilarious. And Gen was cool. Her husband was a dick, and I was glad to see he wasn’t around.

Lauren finished her slideshow and angled toward me. I wasn’t sure how she wanted to play the situation out in public.

We probably should have talked about that, too.

“Hi,” she said, her green eyes meeting mine before she leaned over and pressed her lips to mine briefly.

“Hi.”

“Oh, is this finally a thing we’re acknowledging? That’s exciting!” Gen said, a wide grin on her face.

Lauren rolled her eyes, but no one was exactly surprised. Because we were, apparently, completely obvious for quite a while.

“Yeah... I’m gonna go grab a drink. Vodka soda?” I asked her more quietly.

“Thanks, Lover!” she said loudly, apparently leaning into us being open with our friends.

“Word choice, Laur. Honestly,” Jesse grumbled, but he waved me off, so I knew he didn’t have any real anger behind it.

Okay then. That was easier than ripping off a band-aid.

I grabbed drinks and put in an order for food before sitting back down. While waiting, I checked my phone to see a response from Delaney, the owner of the bakery. She wanted to meet with me and have me bring some samples of my recent recipes on Monday.

Holy shit . This might be happening .

I made my way back to the table, feeling almost unstoppable. Out of habit, I stopped myself from reaching for her until I realized I could, and I let my hand rest above her knee. I pulled up the email on my phone and set it in front of her while everyone at the table chatted. Her eyes widened, and she bit her lip as a smile took over her face. Her fingers were warm when she put her hand on top of mine and guided it up to her thigh instead. I let out something between a sigh and a laugh because she was going to be the death of me.