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cocked her head in Jake’s direction. “That’s usually what people do when they start a relationship.”
    He jerked his head at Amanda and breathed deep when she smirked.
    Chloe scooted her chair out. “I’ve got to go, too. Jeff promised me a massage after working the parade all day.” 
    “We can leave together.” Veronica walked to the coat hanger and got their jackets. “Come on, I don’t want to be late.”
    “Okay. Hold on to your knickers.” Chloe took one more bite of the pie, pushed her chair in and took the plate to the sink. “I’ll clean when I get back, Amanda, I promise.”
    Amanda lifted a single eyebrow.
    “Don’t worry, I’ll help her.” Jake downed his last bite.
    “You two have fun.” Chloe winked and Veronica pulled her out the door.
    “So, you up to having fun?” He leaned over the chair frame with his elbows resting on the frame.
    She studied him, stacking a few dessert plates. “The only fun we’re having is to clean all these disgusting dishes.” She walked toward the kitchen.
    “Oh, dirty talk. I like it.” When she turned around with a frown, he held up his hands up in defense. “Just kidding.”
    She bounced a foot and asked, “Are you really? I don’t know with you, Jake. One minute I think you’re serious and the next you’re laughing it off.”
    He strode to her and lifted her chin. “I was serious earlier in the kitchen. I meant it when I said I could do this.”
    She bit her lip. “But, if we did anything...” She pointed in between them, making a fork clatter against the plate she held. “We’d pretty much destroy our friendship. You told me you don’t do commitment. I’m not ready for that either. I don’t want to lose you now that we’ve found each other again.”
    He held her face in his hands. “I don’t want to lose you either, but I’m having a hard time keeping my hands to myself when I’m around you.”
    “You don’t have any self-control, then?”
    He laughed. “I’ve had self-control all night. If I didn’t, you’d already be naked in your bedroom by now.”
    She rolled her eyes. “Men.” She turned on her heel and strode to the kitchen. “If I can do it, so can you.”
    He followed behind her with dirty dishes. “You don’t even know what I can do.” His wicked grin flashed at her.
    She stopped at the sink to look at him and crossed her arms across her chest.
    “Okay. I’ll shut up. When you’re ready, let me know.” He held up one palm to stop her glaring.
    “What if I’m never ready?”
    “Baby, you just wait and see.” He picked up a towel and exchanged a smile with her, then shook his head. “You wash, I’ll dry.”
    When the last plate hit the cabinet, Jake looked at his watch. “Wait a minute.” He tugged her hand and led her to the living room. “It’s time for the big game.”
    “What big game?”
    He found the remote control and turned on the television. “The Cowboys and the Patriots. You can’t miss this.” 
    “You don’t have any friends to watch the game with?” she asked.
    “I’d rather sit right here next to you.” He patted the sofa. “Do you mind?”
    She shrugged and sat down next to him, moving the remote to the coffee table.
    He stretched his legs and flung his arm against the back of the couch, not waiting for her answer. “You look exhausted. Why don’t you come closer?”
    Amanda hesitated a moment and then scooted against his body. He looked down at her and smiled.  It was very domestic of him. He could do this, and like it at the same time. Soon, her body softened and she snuggled against him.
    It was hard to concentrate with Amanda asleep in his lap. He enjoyed the moment, watching her lie there as if she belonged, as if every soft, voluptuous curve was his. What surprised him most was the fact that he never had this overwhelming need to be with a woman. He didn’t know how to react. 
    He meant it when he told her he could move past his issues. For some reason, she made