They lingered over the meal, chatting quietly and laughing frequently. Eventually, Maggie rose and began to collect their plates. Let me get these out of our way. Theres a delicious dessert waiting. Bobby quickly jumped up to help. Its okay, Ive got this, Maggie told him.
No, maam, he grinned, shaking his head. My mama raised me right. Shed tan my hide if I didnt help out.
Maggie laughed and led the way into the kitchen with Bobby following along behind. They placed the dishes in the sink and Maggie began rinsing them, handing them to Bobby who stacked them in the dishwasher.
Division of labor, he quipped, grinning.
As they worked together, Maggie was aware of his decidedly masculine air, of his strong forearms showing below his rolled-up sleeves, the mixture of spice and musk of his cologne. She could feel the heat beginning to build deep within her soul.