One Day at a Time (Starting Over Series Book 4) by Evan Grace Read Free Book Online Page A

down.
    “Hi!” she said, pulling him out of his worship of her body.
    “Hey, babe.” He pulled her to him and attacked her lips. She whimpered against him, and he felt her hands move up into his hair. As much as he didn’t want to, he eased back from her. He rubbed his thumb across her lower lip, removing the smudged lip gloss. “Did you have trouble finding the place?”
    She gave him a shy smile and shook her head. “No, it was easy.” She took a whiff of the air. “Whatever you’re cooking smells wonderful.”
    He wasn’t that great of a cook, so he decided to grill a couple of steaks to go along with some cheesy twice-baked potatoes and a tossed salad. “Come on, I’ll show you what I’ve got.” He grabbed her hand and led her into his kitchen. He showed her the potatoes in the oven and the salad and steaks in the refrigerator. “I’ll throw the steaks on the grill in a few minutes. Can I get you some lemonade?”
    “Yes, please.” He poured them both a glass and then led her out to his deck. “Oh my gosh, you’ve got a hammock! I’ve always wanted one, but I live in an apartment so that’s not going to happen. Can I try it out?”
    Her excitement for something small like a hammock was endearing. “Have at it, babe. I’ll go get the steaks and throw them on, then I’ll come join you.” He kissed her quick and watched as she excitedly went to the hammock and crawled onto it, making him want to groan as her tight little ass stuck up in the air. She didn’t even realize how sexy she was, which made her even sexier in his eyes. Wanting to get back to her quickly, he hurried into the house and grabbed the steaks. He was just heading outside when his phone rang. Picking it up, he rolled his eyes when he saw it was Mac.
    “Yes?” he answered, his voice laced with mock indignation.
    Of course she got right to the point. “Is that her?”
    “It is,” was his reply.
    “She’s perfect. I approve.” The line went dead and he shook his head. Of course she was scoping out his backyard. She probably had been watching Tessa since she pulled into his driveway. Setting his phone down, he made his way outside. He froze at the sight before him.
    Tessa was reclining on the hammock, her legs crossed at the ankles and her arms stretched out behind her. He could get used to that sight. He put the steaks on the grill, and then he went to her. He knew she had heard him walk up, because her lips tipped up into a smile.
    “You may have to throw me out of this thing. I don’t think I’ve ever been this comfortable in my life.”
    “Well scoot over, babe.” He carefully got on it and smiled when she turned to him, snuggling close.
    He rested his hand on her, rubbing small circles over the expanse of her flat stomach. “So how was work?” His voice sounded rough in his own ears.
    “It was good. I got those romance novels in that I was telling you about.” The girl could talk books, but it was sweet how excited she got talking about the latest book to cross her counter. She was a big supporter of indie authors and was always on social media, finding the next big author.
    “The one about the MMA fighter?” How he remembered that he didn’t know, but was grateful he did when she gave him the biggest smile.
    “That’s the one. I sold five copies before I left.” Her excitement was palpable. They were interrupted when the timer went off. He leaned down, kissed the tip of her nose, and got up.
    He flipped the steaks and shut the lid. Going over to the hammock, he leaned over her, “Sorry, darling, but it’s about time to eat.” He reached out to her, grabbing her hand and pulling her up.
    “Can I help with anything?” He led her up to the deck and pulled out a seat for her.
    “Nope, I just need you to sit here and look pretty.” He’d never seen someone blush as much as she did.
    They made small talk as he pulled the steaks off of the grill. They looked like they were cooked right, but he’d have to