Moth(34)

I shrug. “Usually.”

She leans against the counter. “It’s been a hell of a day. I guess I can use the amusement.”

As I turn to unpack the items I’ve purchased, I catch her ass in my peripheral vision. In those pants I can see every single curve. Since I know exactly what it looks like naked I’m immediately turned on. A low grumble accidentally escapes me so I clear my throat to distract my sudden inability to control myself around this jaw dropping sexy woman.

She helps me unload both bags and folds them to be able to reuse. I watch as she gets me a large pot and a pan to cook with. She opens a drawer full of kitchen utensils, but doesn’t pull any out. I retrieve a wooden spoon, and search but am unable to come up with a large knife to chop the mushrooms garlic, and onions. “A knife,” I ask.

She pulls the biggest one out of a holder located beside the refrigerator where I can’t see. For a brief moment I’m wondering if she’s going to use it to cut my throat. I’d deserve it. If she’s on to me it would be unexpected.

She holds the knife with a firm grip and points it in my direction as she speaks. “If you try anything funny I’ll cut your balls off, one at a time. Remember that later on tonight.” Her face remains stern for an entire ten seconds before she bursts into laughter. “I’m f*cking with you, silly. It’s a joke.”

I play it off like I’m not freaked out. “Get your tail over here and start cutting up these mushrooms, Miss Funny Pants.”

Instead of doing what I ask she sits the knife down on a cutting board and hops up on the counter in the spot next to it. “You said you were making me dinner. I think that means I’m not aloud to lift a finger.”

I point the wooden spoon in her direction. “You’re lucky I find you cute, otherwise there’d be hell to pay.”

Her smile is once again electrifying. I’m taken back by the comfortableness I feel when in her company. I know she’s part of the case. She may even be a killer. So why can’t I focus on anything else than spending time with her as if we’re two innocent people getting to know one another. I’m a man, attracted to a beautiful woman. It’s natural for this to happen, but it’s wrong for me to be this interested. It’s wrong to want her, but I can’t stop myself.

She changes the subject. “How many days a week do you work out?”

I can see her looking at my bicep as I begin to cut the mushrooms. “I don’t have a set schedule. I just like being in shape. I run mostly.” I pause for a second. “Do you like guys with muscles?”

Her cheeks are bright pink. “What kind of question is that?” She plays it off.

“A legitimate one given the fact that you’re staring me up and down. You obviously see something you like.”

She turns away to hide the shame of me being able to read her. It’s not hard. She’s making it very easy. “They’re hard not to notice.”

“It’s okay if you don’t want to admit you’re attracted to me. I’m good communicating without words.” I stir in some of the wine and mix it with the sautéing mushrooms. The mixture of the smell resonates in the kitchen. After I turn down the heat I’m able to give her my attention again. “Cat got your tongue?”

“Sometimes you make me uncomfortable with the things that come out of your mouth.”

I shrug. “I told you before, I tell it like it is.”

“And I told you before I wasn’t interested in dating.”

“Yet here I am making you dinner. Go figure.”

“You insisted. You weren’t invited.”

“Last night you mentioned anyone who hangs out with you is in danger. I’m just curious if you have a vagina with teeth, because if that’s the case I’m out of here.”

She’s flabbergasted I’ve said it. Her hand comes up over her mouth as her eyes widen. “You are insane!”

I pull one mushroom out of the pan and blow on it before putting it in front of her face. “Shut up and try this. I have a feeling you’re going to be impressed.”

She rolls her eyes. “It’s probably poisoned. You’ve come to kill me haven’t you?”

I’m not sure if I should take this as a sign that she’s in danger, or a joke, so I choose the latter. “Just taste it.”

Her plump lips part as I watch as she samples what I have on the spoon. She’s surprised. Her eyebrows lift as she moans and closes her eyes as if she’s savoring the flavor. “That’s fantastic.”

“Told you. Just wait until it’s all done.”

“You are the most confusing man I’ve ever met. What gives? Why me? The more I try to push you away, the more it seems you keep coming back. I don’t deserve a friend, Moth.” All of a sudden she seems depressed. “Being like this with you only proves that. This is a bad idea.”

“Why?” I dip a finger into the sauce and suck it into my mouth to taste. “What are you afraid of?”

“You. Everything. This. It’s complicated. You don’t know me. That’s the problem. There are parts of me I can’t ever talk about. I’ve done things. I’m afraid you wouldn’t like me if you knew the truth.” I wish she could come out with it. I’m beginning to like her too much to keep up with the charade. It’s wrong, and I wish more than anything that the circumstances surrounding our relationship were anything but what they actually are. This is all a lie. Nothing will come of this. The more time I spend with her the harder it’s going to be when it’s over.