Pulling back, Dodge’s eyes were on fire and his breathing matched mine. Deep and fast. “You won’t tell anyone, right?”
Wait. What are we talking about again?
“Um . . . I um . . . I won’t say a word. To anyone.”
Dodge flashed me a smile that had me fighting to keep my hand out of my pants. “Good girl. Now let’s go.” Grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the front door, Dodge chuckled.
Bastard.
I sure as hell hope that kiss affected him as much as it did me. The door opened and an older woman stepped out. She had to be in her early seventies and she wore the most breathtaking smile I’d ever seen.
“Minnie!” Dodge said as he dropped my hand and dashed up the stairs. Gently pulling her into his arms, Dodge picked her up as she let out a small laugh.
“Oh my! Put me down you crazy boy!” Minnie said. Letting out a giggle, I watched the scene unfold.
Dodge kissed Minnie on the cheek as he slowly put her back down. “Minnie, it’s so good to see you.”
“You too, my boy. It’s been too long since I last saw you and young Emily.” Minnie looked over to me and the smile that spread across her face caused me to return an even bigger. Her smile was infectious. I pictured her running around on the beach chasing after a younger Dodge and Em. My heart instantly warmed up to this woman standing before me.
Dodge held his hand out for me as I walked up the stairs. Taking my hand, Dodge pulled me to his side, which surprised the hell out of me. “Minnie, I’d like you to meet my very good friend, Sierra. Sierra, this is Minnie.”
Minnie glanced at Dodge and raised her eyebrow before turning back to me. Reaching her hands out, I placed my hands in hers as she pulled me in for a quick kiss on the cheek and a hug. She smelled exactly like my grammy. My heart hurt for a second before I regained my emotions.
“It’s so nice to meet you, Minnie,” I said as I tried like hell not to think of the memories Minnie’s perfume was bringing back to me.
“The pleasure is all mine, Sierra. What a beautiful name. I like it!”
Giggling, I nodded my head and said, “Thank you. I’m kind of fond of it as well.”
Minnie looked between Dodge and me before she said, “Are you hungry?”
Dodge slapped his hands together, causing me to jump. “Yes!”
“Enchiladas?” Minnie asked Dodge as he licked his lips.
“Yes. Oh please, yes.”
Throwing her head back, Minnie turned and told us to follow her. Following her into the house, I was stunned when Dodge took my hand again. Why is he doing this? One minute I’m his very good friend and the next he’s holding my hand and kissing me breathless. The man was confusing as hell. He was the most confusing man in the world. Like the Dos Equis man . . . instead of being the most interesting man in the world, he was the most confusing. He should make his own beer and sell it. He’d make a fortune.
“What are you so deep in thought about?” Dodge whispered against my ear. My stomach flipped as I felt his hot breath against my neck.
Shaking my head, I whispered, “Nothing.”
Dodge tilted his head and gave me a disbelieving look. “If you say so.”
Following Minnie into her kitchen, I took a look around at her modest, yet beautiful home. Pictures were everywhere. Smiling, I walked up to a picture of Dodge and a very young Emily on a fishing dock. Dodge was holding up a fish he must have just caught as Emily looked at Dodge like he was the most amazing person ever. Another picture looked more recent; it was Dodge and Em standing on the beach.
“Must have had a feeling you’d be stopping by. I made shrimp enchiladas this morning. I was just about to take them out the oven.
My mouth dropped open. Shrimp. Oh fuck.
Dodge grabbed my hand and pulled me into the kitchen and motioned for me to sit at the bar. “Trust me, you will not want to miss these. I promise it’s safe.”
Giving Dodge a weak smile, I nodded my head and tried to push the image of the shrimp head being ripped off before my very eyes. Shuddering, I closed my eyes and thought of something else.
Then it hit me. The most amazing smell penetrated my nostrils. Oh lord. That smells heavenly.
Opening my eyes, Minnie was serving plates of enchiladas. “That smells heavenly!” I said as I looked at Minnie plopping on a scoop of sour cream. Good thing I liked sour cream.
Setting the plates in front of us, I picked up my fork and was about to take a bite when I noticed both Minnie and Dodge staring at me. “What?” I asked.
Smiling, Minnie motioned for me to take a bite. “Um . . . I guess I’m taking the first bite?”