Cross My Heart (A Contemporary Romance Novel)

an apron? Because if so, I think she’s a better bet. I’m not exactly the domestic type.”
    He started to relax a little. “Believe it or not, I’ve picked up on that. But it won’t kill you to measure out a couple cups of flour.”
    She took a step or two towards him. “I guess I won’t know until I try.”
    “That’s the spirit.” He held out the metal cup, and she crossed the rest of the space between them and took it.
    Their fingers touched briefly, and a quick surge of electricity went through him.
    “This seems way too precise,” she said a minute later, after he’d instructed her not to pack the flour into the cup but to scoop it up loosely and then use the flat edge of a knife to level it off. “Are you sure this isn’t just you being a control freak?”
    He smiled. “With some kinds of cooking exact measurement doesn’t matter. But with pancakes or waffles, it does.”
    “Fine, fine.” She followed his instructions and added the flour to the other dry ingredients in the bowl. Then she turned to see what he was doing.
    “You have to separate the eggs?”
    “That’s the secret to making perfect waffles. Separate the egg whites, beat them until they’re stiff but not dry, and fold them into the batter.”
    She watched him set up the electric mixer and pour the egg whites into the bowl. “Why in the world would you add an extra step like that? Come to think of it, why aren’t we using mix from a box like every other normal American?”
    “You’ll answer that question yourself after your first bite. You’re going to say, Michael, these are the best waffles I’ve ever tasted. I am in awe of your amazing technique and can only pray to God there’s more of it in my future.”
    She looked at him sideways. “I’m going to say all that, huh?”
    “Absolutely.”
    “Are you always this arrogant about your cooking?”
    “It’s a flaw.”
    She leaned back against the counter and smiled. “I’ll add it to the list I’m keeping on my refrigerator.”
    Claire came in just as he turned on the mixer, and she helped Jenna set the table. Soon he was spooning batter into the hot waffle iron and heating up the maple syrup in the microwave.
    A few minutes later he was watching Jenna take her first bite.
    “Okay, you win. These are the best waffles I’ve ever tasted.”
    “Told you so,” he said smugly, putting the next one on a plate for Claire.
    “You’re a sore winner, Michael. That’s an unattractive trait. I’m adding it to the list.”
    “The list of what?” Claire asked, pouring syrup over her waffle.
    “Your dad’s flaws. I’m writing them all down.”
    “Ooh, I can help you with that. Did you get arrogant?”
    “Of course.”
    “Control freak?”
    “Yep.”
    “How about—”
    “Hey! I’m right here,” he said, joining them at the table. “And might I add, you’re eating my food while you’re insulting me. Isn’t that biting the hand that feeds you?”
    “He does have a point,” Jenna said to Claire.
    “We can do a list of positive things, to make up for it. Like, he’s a good cook.”
    “He mowed my lawn the other day.”
    “He’s a doctor. So, you know, points for having a job that saves lives.”
    Jenna nodded. “That’s a good one.”
    “And he’s handsome. Don’t you think?”
    Jenna hadn’t been expecting to be hit with that question. She should have been able to give a lighthearted answer, but she made the mistake of glancing at Michael—and the devil of it was, he was handsome. So handsome her heart rate picked up a little every time she looked at him.
    She hadn’t been able to sleep after he left last night. She’d replayed their lovemaking over and over in her head, until she was twisting and squirming in bed, her legs tangling in the sheets.
    She’d been in her kitchen having coffee—and remembering the first kiss they’d shared, in that very room—when Claire had breezed in and asked her about the concert. Then she invited her over for breakfast.
    “Dad’s making waffles. You haven’t lived until you’ve tasted his waffles. Also, we wanted to help you with some of your projects. You know, all the paint and wallpaper and stuff. Anytime this week you want us.”
    Knowing Claire was the least subtle matchmaker in the history of the world, Jenna thought there was a chance that both of those suggestions had come from her. When she’d asked directly, though, Claire had assured her that her dad was the initiator.
    She took it as