Chapter 96

Summer’s POV

I dropped onto the couch, feeling Jared’s eyes scorch into my back—like I was the last slice of pizza nobody else was allowed to touch. He finally tore his gaze off me and stared at the TV like it was a bomb-ticking away. Shoulders coiled; fists knotted. Guilt or anger? Experience said male vulnerability equaled anger, but my gut nudged me toward guilt. Maybe he regretted making me that ridiculous three-layer chocolate thing.

I set the plate between us, slid my own butt onto the opposite cushion, and whispered, “Thanks for the cake. That was sweet… literally.” Knife- fork met frosting, and I took a bite. Instant fireworks. I had to clamp my lips together to keep from moaning. Note to self: grocery-store cake is overrated.

Jared’s fists squeezed harder, and I noticed the definite outline of a flagpole pressing against his sweats. Lovely. My inner monologue whispered: Congratulations, Summer—you’re sitting next to a human sundial.

After demo