Selena's mind was racing when she heard Everett's words, thinking, "What would I do without Ava?"
Taking her chance, she chimed in, "Yeah, Ava's got a knack for this stuff. You should definitely learn from her."
Everett's gaze flicked over to Ava, who was all eager and attentive. Normally, she had a sharp sense, but today she seemed completely clueless. Was he really here to learn how to bake pies? No, he was just trying to add some fun to his marriage with Selena.
With deliberate intent, he said, "Mrs. Bennett, I want you to teach me!"
As he spoke, Everett's eyes were locked onto Selena's soft profile, leaving her no room to escape his gaze.
Ava finally caught on that something was off, realizing the couple had their own dynamic going on. What was her role in all this, anyway? Despite her recent grievances about Mr. Bennett's behavior and her sympathy for Mrs. Bennett, she still held on to the hope that if he truly committed to his wife and ignored outside distractions, it would be great to see them reconcile, especially with a kid involved.
Thinking quickly, she wiped her hands on her apron and feigned a stomachache, saying, "Oh dear, I've got a stomachache and need to hit the restroom. You two carry on!"
Without waiting for a response, she hurried away, leaving Selena speechless at Ava's over-the-top performance. It was so obvious she was just making an excuse to leave.
So much for loyalty!
Everett, on the other hand, was quite pleased. With a sly grin, he grabbed an apron off the wall, slipped it around his neck, and approached Selena. Looking down at her, he said, "Selena, mind tying this for me?"
Selena shot him a look, his self-satisfied grin making her itch to punch him. Holding back her annoyance, she wrapped her arms around his trim waist to tie the apron strings.
With her so close, Everett could catch the scent of her hair and admire her long lashes and perfectly fair skin, which seemed impossibly soft.
As he watched her, his thoughts began to drift, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed.
Her beauty struck him deep.
It had been ages since Selena had smiled at him like that, so open and unguarded.
A strong urge surged through Everett, a desire to pull her close and never let go.
With a decisive move, he gripped her waist and lifted her effortlessly onto the kitchen island.
Selena let out a surprised gasp, her eyes wide, "What are you doing?"
Everett's lips curled into a mischievous grin, completely unashamed, "Mrs. Bennett, I want you!"
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