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do instead of fight.”
    Amanda lifted her head and a tiny gasp came from her throat. Then she turned to face him and shook her head. “What’s going on with us?”
    His fingertips brushed lightly over a cheek. “Hell if I know.”
    She closed her eyes. “I can’t be hurt by you again.”
    He stopped stroking her and nodded. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
    “Then why are you doing this?” she whispered.
    He scooted her back and put his arms around her, holding onto the counter. “We both feel it. Don’t give me any of that friends crap, Mandy. We’ve grown up. Things change. And I bet you want to kiss me as much as I want to kiss you right now.”
    She held a finger to his lips as he bent down. “What happened to not wanting a relationship?”
    He looked at her lips and shook his head. “I already told you that I’m not ready for that.”
    “Then I can’t do this, Jake.” Amanda tried to push Jake away, but he didn’t budge.
    He moved her back with a tighter hold around her. “For you, I might be able to do it.”
    “Hellooo.” Chloe and Veronica opened the door. “We’re here.” Chloe walked into the kitchen, and stopped. “What’s going on? We came at the wrong time, didn’t we?” She backed away.
    Amanda pushed Jake away this time and walked to her friends. “No. Come back. We’re fine.”
    Jake swiped his hand through his hair and then put on a fake smile. “Hi, ladies.”
    Veronica glanced in the direction of the kitchen. “I’d say you were more than fine. We’ll just leave you alone to ...” She waved her hand in the air. “You know, to finish what you were doing.” Veronica pulled Chloe who stood with a smile on her face. 
    “It’s okay.” Amanda glared at Jake and followed her friends to the living area. “We are done here.”
    What the hell did that mean? He wasn’t done yet.
    Chloe batted her lashes. “Good to see you again, Jake. Amanda told us so much about you.”
    “Really? All good things I hope.” He looked at Amanda.  Her mouth shut and her hands were on her hips. She was gorgeous when she was mad. He smiled helplessly. “God knows she wouldn’t tell you anything good right now.”
    “Well, it’s Thanksgiving. Let’s be thankful we’re here together.” Chloe took off her jacket and handed it to Veronica, who shrugged and threw it on the couch. Chloe walked past Amanda into the kitchen. “Smells good.”
    Jake returned to the scene of the crime and stared at Amanda. “I am thankful.” He grasped a loose strand of her hair. “And I’m sorry.” He looked down at her, smiled and lifted his eyebrows.
    He knew she forgave him by the smile she returned. Jake turned her body around by her shoulders, pressed her back to his chest and rested his chin on top of her head. “Let’s go fix up the rest of the dinner.”
    They walked together to the kitchen, with unanswered questions in his mind.
     
    *****
     
    With hands in the air, Mandy told a story about her mom’s notorious holiday cookbook. “She wrote down every recipe for the traditional Thanksgiving meal – including instructions for opening a can of Cranberry.”
    Veronica frowned. “That’s a bit overboard.”
    Amanda laughed. “Exactly. She had to make sure I get it all right this time. I should’ve never told her I messed up the stuffing last year.”
    Jake wiped his mouth on a napkin and stood. “Well, it was delicious Mandy, with or without your mom’s help.” He picked up the pie on the side table.
    Chloe smiled as he handed her a piece. “Wow, handsome and can bake, too.”
    “I slaved the long lines at Magnolia Bakery. You should’ve seen me. I had to push an old granny out of the way for the last one.”
    Veronica laughed and held her hand up when he tried to serve her a slice. “None for me. I have to meet Diego.”
    “So, it’s getting serious?” Chloe asked as she took a bite.
    She shrugged as she stood. “We’re taking it one step at a time.”
    Amanda straightened and