“Is that so? For some reason I don’t think I have anything to worry about,” Carson quips as he tosses a strawberry in the air and catches it in his mouth. I watch, no, ogle the way his jaw works as he chews. When he swallows, I’m entranced by the lift of his Adam’s apple, which I have the strangest urge to bite right now.
What is happening to me?
He leans in when he catches me staring and whispers, “If you think watching me eat a strawberry is drool-worthy, you should see me eat a peach.” His lips brush my ear, causing goosebumps to erupt across my skin.
“You don’t play fair,” I whisper.
He pulls back, sporting a rakish grin. “When we get home, will you teach me how to make your mama’s peach cobbler?”
Home.Why does warmth flood my chest from that one word leaving his lips?
I set my plate on the island and face him, crossing my arms and leaning against the counter. “I’m not sure you’ve earned the privilege, Golden Boy. You’re acting like a brat.”
He tries to bite back his chuckle. “I like when you call me names, it turns me on.”
“Down, boy.”
“You’re probably right. Can’t afford to getexcitedin these shorts.” The waggle of his brows has me snorting.
“Oh my goodness. Chivalry is indeed dead.”
“Oh, I can be quite chivalrous, my lady. You just haven’t allowed me the opportunity to show you.”
“Is that so?” I muse. “And when would such an opportunity arise?”
“Let me take you out, Austin.”
My eyes widen at his request. I’m just about to ask him what he means by that when Jackson steps between us to grab a strip of bacon.
“Are you excited for the spa day today, Super Nanny?” Jackson asks me before eating the entire piece in one bite.
I have to bite the inside of my cheek to stop the smile from spreading across my face at the look on Carson’s face. His brow is furrowed and I fear he may crack a molar from how hard he’s clenching his jaw. Note to self: he doesn’t like when others call me by his nickname.
It’s strange. I should find his possessiveness worrisome. Instead, I find it endearing. Clearly, I’m even more broken than I realized.
“Alright, alright, Jaxy. Super Nanny has a name. Dakota deserves your respect just like all of the other females here,” Carson says.
Jackson throws his head back and smacks Carson on the back. “You’re acting like a Neanderthal, Carsey-baby.” He shakes his head, laughing to himself as he walks over to his brother.
“On that note, I’m going to eat in my room so I can finish getting ready.” I reach to pick up the plate I set aside when his long, deft fingers eclipse mine. My skin prickles beneath his touch, and my heart rate skyrockets when he brings me in for a hug. There’s nothing I want more than to stay in his warm embrace.
“I wish I could join y’all at the spa today,” Carson breathes into my skin before pressing a soft kiss on my forehead.
God, this feels too good.
“Y’all, eh?” I question as I reluctantly step out of his embrace.
“Yeah, y’all. What can I say? You’re rubbing off on me, Austin,” he says with a devilish smirk. “Looks like I’m not the only one,eh?”
“You’re incorrigible.”
“You’re right. I am incredibly cute.”
Rolling my eyes, I feign annoyance. “Case in point.”
“You love it.”
“Hardly.”
