Amy snorts and steals a ball of gooey chocolate goodness with powder sugar dusted on top.

“I’m sorry. I just don’t want them to burn. How are you?” She’s kneading something on the counter that already looks good and it’s not even cooked.

I laugh. “I’m good.”

Amy moans, her eyes rolling back in her head. “Genna, this is … I now know why you’ve started your own business. This tastes like heaven.” She takes another bite and adds, “And I love the new kitchen!”

Genna beams. “Thank you! Is Brandon coming?”

“Yeah, he’ll be here soon. He was stuck in traffic so we hitched a ride with Dre.”

With the truffles safely out of the oven, I take off the mitts. My job is done. “Where’re Jean and Hannah?”

“Hannah is taking a late nap and Jean took a call from Kevin. I guess they’re fighting.” She rolls her eyes. I can’t help but laugh.

I talked to Jean a couple days ago and she went on and on about how Kevin won’t drop the topic of them taking things to the “next level.” I’m learning that Jean has bigger commitment issues than I ever had.

Amy sits at the counter, taking in the mess. My eyes follow. “What else do you need help with?”

“I have a bottle of wine in the garage fridge. Can you grab it?”

“Of course, I can always find time to get wine!” From the garage, I call back, “How are you going to do all this on your own in a couple weeks?”

“I don’t know yet. You sure you don’t want to work with me?”

Bottle in hand, I walk back into the kitchen. “Not particularly. Food and me … well, you know.”

“I’ve heard all about Dre’s cooking,” Amy speaks. “Which is why Parker cooks or she orders out when Brandon and I come over.”

Genna laughs.

I shrug. “What can I say? Cooking is not my strength.”

“True."

“But, I mean, if you need help setting up or delivering, I’m your gal.”

I look at the label of the wine I’m holding. The Chocolate Shop: The Chocolate Lover’s Wine.

“They make chocolate wine?”

“Yeah.” She shrugs. “I was looking for something different for an after dinner drink and found that. I figured we should try it to see if it’s any good.”

“Yes, yes we should!” I say, gleeful.

Genna laughs as she chops apples and piles them in the cinnamon and sugar-filled dough. “I think I even saw a whipped cream flavored wine. I almost got it, but didn’t.”

I take out my phone to send Parker a quick text. I’m sure he’s still seeing his animal patients, but he’ll check it when he can.

Me: Did you know they make chocolate flavored wine?

My phone vibrates in my hand immediately.

Mr. Handsome: No, sounds good though.

Me: It does! They also make a whipped cream flavor.

Mr. Handsome: I want whipped cream.

Me: Me too!

All I can picture is strawberries with whipped cream and a little sugar. Yum!

Mr. Handsome: On you.

Oh, boy.

Me: That sounds … interesting.

Mr. Handsome: More specifically, I want to lick it off of you.

Me: Oh …

My chest buzzes with electricity and my cheeks burn. I look over at Genna, who is rolling up the apple dumplings, not paying me any attention.

Mr. Handsome: I want you to say that as I’m licking you clean.

Me: Parker …

Mr. Handsome: Yes, call out my name.

Every nerve ending in my body is buzzing.

Me: Stop it!

Mr. Handsome: Not until you’re clean.

Me: LOL! You’re so dirty.

Mr. Handsome: You don’t know how dirty I can be.

Me: I bet I do.

Parker: Wanna bet?

Do I? Yes, I do. This is one bet I want to lose.

Me: I’ll call and raise you two orgasms.

Mr. Handsome: It’s on, woman. Tonight.

My stomach flips. I bite my lip, doing my best not to smile.

“What has your panties dripping wet?” Jean asks, walking into the kitchen.

“Ethan, why don’t we go get your shoes so you can run around in the backyard? I can watch you from the window,” Amy says hurriedly.

He jumps down from his chair and skips to the front door. Amy follows and Jean gives her a remorseful smile, but Amy waves it off. Once they’re out of view my head snaps to Jean.

“What are you talking about?”

Her eyes laugh. “Oh, please. I know sexting when I see it.”

“Oh, I wasn’t … we weren’t …” I stammer, locking my phone and setting it on the counter.

“Riiight. The blush on your cheeks and the wicked smile that you’re badly trying to hide means nothing.”

“Are you sexting in my kitchen when you’re supposed to be helping me?”

“Uhh …”

“You were!” Jean shrieks.

“No!”

“Chocolate wine got you that excited?” Genna teases.

“What chocolate wine?” Jean asks, looking around.

“Here,” I say.

“This looks yummy. Let’s open it,” Jean exclaims, taking it out of my hands.

“Not until after dinner. You need to have the full meal first and see if that’s a good way to end the night,” Genna explains.

“Well, according to Aundrea, it’s a perfect way to end the night, if it gets you all hot and bothered.” Jean gives me a wink and elbows me.