He opened a package of bacon and set it in a frying pan, the fat melting and popping as it splattered. He took out a container of flour, dumping a scoop directly onto the counter.
Then he made a well, cracking three eggs into the white powder before sprinkling it all with salt.
He worked the flour and eggs into a dough, his fingers messy as he kneaded it from a sticky mess to this perfect, smooth ball. Then he went to work with a knife, chopping the crispy bacon and then parsley before grating cheese.
He kept on working until he had filled two bowls with pasta carbonara, and when he set mine in front of me, he simply kissed my temple and handed me a fork.
Drake began to squirm halfway through dinner so I excused myself and escaped to the bathroom to give him a long bath. Then I sat with him on the guest bed and fed him his bottle. He fell asleep almost instantly.
Knox was exactly where I’d left him, seated at the island, scrolling through his phone. Surrounded by a mess. When he heard me, the phone was put aside. “He asleep?”
“Yeah.” I reached for my bowl but he took it from my hands, putting it exactly where it had been.
When he stood, his face was unreadable, his expression closed. “Did you like dinner?”
“It was amazing.” Everything he made was amazing.
“Good. Now look around.”
The kitchen was a disaster. He had grease splatters on his shirt, and flour dusted his jeans. The counters and stove would need a thorough scrubbing. The floors would need to be mopped and the dishwasher run.
“The craziest days in the kitchen end with food on every surface. Those are the days when I walk out the door so exhausted I can barely keep my eyes open on the drive home.
Passion comes from the mess, Memphis.” He threaded his hands into my hair. “So does everything lasting.”
My frame sagged. “You deserve—”
“You.”
“I was going to say better.”
“No. I deserve you. Because I want you. And damn it, I earned you. All the shit I went through. The hell you endured.
Who fucking cares if it’s messy?” He flicked a wrist around the room. “It’s exactly the way it should be.”
“But—”
“Goddamn it, Memphis. Stop arguing with me.” In a flash he picked me up and set me on the island. A fork went sailing, clattering to the floor. Then he stepped in between my legs, holding my gaze, our noses touching. “Let me make this clear.
You are mine. Drake is mine. For all of your todays and each of your tomorrows. Mine. Do you not want me?”
“Of course I want you.”
“Then fucking kiss me.”
I put my hands to his face but as he leaned in, I pushed him back. Because I had something to say too. “I’m scared.”
“No shit.”
I rolled my eyes. “I go a little crazy.”
“So what?” He leaned in again, this time more insistent.
“Go crazy. Be scared. You won’t chase me away.”
There was a dare in his voice. Like he knew I wanted to doubt him so he dared me to try. He dared me to push because he wouldn’t walk away.
“You’re mine too,” I whispered.
“I know.” He leaned in and this time I let him capture my lips. He stroked his tongue across my lower lip and when I opened for him, he delved inside, not hesitating for a moment as he swept me into his arms and carried me down the hallway to the bedroom.
The jeans and long-sleeved tee I’d worn were stripped off instantly, leaving me in nothing but a black bra and panties. I freed the button on his jeans as he reached behind his neck and yanked his shirt over his head.
My hands roamed over the strong muscles of his chest, falling to the rippled stomach and the cut lines around his hips.
Beyond the windows, the snowstorm raged. Here, us, together, we were ablaze.
Knox banded an arm around my back as his tongue and lips devoured me, never breaking free as he kept me pinned against his warm skin. With his other hand, he delved beneath my panties, his long fingers finding my center.
He stroked through my wet folds, torturing me with his touch.
I gasped against his mouth as I began to tremble. He toyed with me, plunging a finger inside as he rubbed my clit. My hips rocked against his hand, matching his rhythm.
“Knox,” I whimpered.
“Come on my fingers. Then you can have my cock.” He dipped his lips to my neck, latched on and sucked as he pumped his fingers in and out, stroking my inner walls until I was panting.
I lifted a leg, hooking it around his hip, as my arms looped around his neck and I held on, riding his hand as he finger fucked me. Stars exploded behind my vision and I came on a cry, a burst of pleasure so pure I couldn’t do anything but feel.