Cassie took a deep breath as she removed the chocolate lava cake from the oven. It was her surprise to Rob; she planned to take advantage of a weakness she had accidentally discovered. He was a chocolate fiend and, if given the chance, he would consume the entire thing by himself, without frosting or decoration. She had also made lasagna for the boys, determined to try to redeem herself. She had never cooked for them before, even as a culinary student. She hoped it would surprise them.
“Holy cow, what smells so good?”she heard Rob’s deep voice as he came in through the front door.
“I made you dinner. I figured you’d be hungry after your trip,”Cassie said shyly as Rob pulled her tightly into his arms to hug her. He so badly wanted to kiss those soft, pouty lips…
“I didn’t know you could cook. When did this this happen?”Glenn asked, sticking his finger into the cake.
Cassie slapped his hand. “Leave it alone to cool. Are you hungry?”she asked Rob, who nodded eagerly as he sat at the table. He watched Cassie serve up the meal and pour him a glass of merlot.
“Who are you and what have you done with my obstinate roommate?”he asked, eyes twinkling.
“I just thought it would be nice to show you that I’m more than just a pain in your ass. It’s no big deal.”
“No big deal? If I knew you could cook like this, I wouldn’t have been eating at Mickey Ds!”Glenn commented, diving into his meal. Cassie blushed, dishing out seconds to both of them. She was pleased; men that size needed a lot of food and they wouldn’t be scarfing down the entire lasagna if they didn’t really like it.
“This was wonderful, Cass. Thank you. I didn’t know you liked cooking,”Rob said, patting his stomach.
“You are aware that I’m a culinary arts major, right? French cuisine?”
He didn’t respond, but instead held his arms out for her. She timidly approached him.
“You know that this magnificent meal doesn’t get you out of trouble, right?”
“I didn’t even consider that. I just wanted to do something nice for a change. I wanted you to see that I dohave a good side.”Her eyes watered.
Rob kissed her cheek, rubbing his thumb on her lower lip. “I truly appreciate it. Do you have class tomorrow?”
“No. Glenn does.”She tilted her head towards the youngest Johnson boy who was polishing off his third helping.
“Good. I’m off work, so we’ll talk then. Now, how about some dessert?”he asked, trying to pick up the whole cake for himself.
Glenn took off to see some friends after dinner, leaving Rob and Cassie home alone. Rob watched the girl as she cleaned up the kitchen and then approached her from behind, wrapping his arms around her small shoulders.
“I have a problem, Cassandra,”he whispered, holding her back to his chest, his hot breath tickling her ear. She leaned against him, not fighting the embrace.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know how to say this. I’m so sorry.”
“For what? Eating too much?”Cassie turned to look up at him, her mouth uncomfortably dry as she studied his handsome face and enticing lips.
“I was thinking about the day we met. I stole your Teddy Bear and teased you. It got us off on the wrong foot and I was wrong. I’m sorry.”
“That stupid bear was the only thing I had from my father,”Cassie whispered, looking down.
Rob felt even worse. “I didn’t know. I’m sorry. I really am. It’s my fault you grew into being so dead set against us.”
“No, it wasn’t you. It was that useless piece of shit that left me and mom. I never wanted to trust again.”
“Forgive me?”he asked, touching her chin to lift her eyes to meet his.
“Yeah, it was just a stupid bear—”
He interrupted her comment by placing his lips against hers and drawing her into his powerful arms. Cassie gasped, pulling back for a moment before letting herself relax in his hold. Her knees wobbled and her head swam.
“Oh my…”she whispered, pulling away.
Rob blushed. “I’m sorry. I know you see me as a friend, but...”
Cassie reached for him this time, hungrily drawing his mouth against hers and crushing his lips. He picked her up and carried her to the couch, not breaking the passionate embrace as they probed each other with their tongues.
“Rob? Is this…wrong?”
“We are not related by blood, baby. Besides, who else would put up with me?”
“But...”
“The only butt you need to be concerned about it yours, honey, and it will be very sore for quite a while,”Rob sighed, pulling away from her.
Cassie pouted. “I thought that…”