Sarah paused mid-step, then slowly turned around with a knowing smile.
Men… so predictable.
"Talk?" she echoed, feigning innocence—her voice soft, playful, like she hadn't just turned his brain to mush.
She raised a brow, lips curved. "About what, Jimmy?"
"Don't play dumb," Jimmy said seriously, taking off his glasses. "I just want something in return."
Sarah raised a brow, smirking. "Okay, Jimmy boy… what do you want?" she asked, sauntering back to the table.
"Well, I, uh… about that dessert," Jimmy stammered, eyes darting away as embarrassment crept into his voice.
Sarah paused, studied him for a moment… then let out a soft laugh.
"You really wanna eat this dessert that badly?" she said, her tone dripping with amusement—and just a hint of danger.
Jimmy shifted in his seat, tugging at his collar. "I-I mean… since you're offering…"
Sarah leaned in again, slower this time—resting her arms gently on his lap, her eyes locked onto his.
"Do you want my dessert or not, Jimmy?" she asked, her voice lower now—less playful, more intent.
Jimmy swallowed hard. "Y-Yes, ma'am."
He slid his glass back on, trying to hide his nerves.
"I want your… warm, wet dessert."
Sarah smirked, rising slowly to her feet. She placed a finger thoughtfully on her chin, gaze drifting toward the ceiling.
"Hmmm… I do have a husband upstairs, y'know," she said lightly. "And he'd be more than happy to have this dessert."
She paused, then pulled a chair close and sank into it, crossing one leg over the other with slow, calculated ease. Her eyes locked onto Jimmy's.
"But…" she added, voice dropping just enough to send a chill, "You might get a taste—if you earn it."
Jimmy shifted in his seat, heart pounding.
"Tell me," she continued, resting her chin in her palm, "What exactly is Jake hiding?"
"Um… don't tell him you heard it from me, okay?" Jimmy said, nervously glancing toward the stairs.
Sarah leaned in, her voice low and smooth. "I won't. I promise."
Jimmy hesitated. "Okay, so the thing is… Jake is kinda, maybe…"
He trailed off, rubbing the back of his neck, still visibly anxious.
"Continue…" Sarah urged, trying to sound calm—but inside, her heart leapt. This is it… finally.
Jimmy looked away, then back at her, lips pressing into a thin line.
"He's… in love with you."
For a brief moment, her expression faltered.
It's the second time I'm hearing this today… In love with me?
A flicker of genuine surprise passed through her eyes, but she quickly masked it with a cool, effortless smile.
"Well… can't say I blame him," she murmured, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers. Her voice dropped into something teasing, almost sultry. "But falling for his stepmother?" She let out a soft chuckle. "Tsk… naughty boy."
"Yeah, yeah… I'm ready for my dessert now," Jimmy said, more boldly this time.
"Of course," Sarah replied. "Hope you're ready for the meal of a lifetime."
"Oh, I am," Jimmy said, then hesitated. "But uh… where am I gonna eat it? Your husband's upstairs…"
Sarah leaned in slightly, voice low and daring. "You'll have it right here… or are you scared of a little danger?"
Jimmy grinned, standing up and reaching for his belt. "Danger's my middle name."
Sarah chuckled, rising as well. Her eyes trailed down, then back to his.
"What are you doing?" she asked, amused.
"I'm getting ready to eat," Jimmy replied confidently.
Sarah laughed, amused. "Then why are you pulling your pants down?"
"Uh—I thought I was… we were… you and I…" he stammered, face flushing.
She smirked, shaking her head. "Silly boy," she said, brushing past him with a pat on the cheek. "Go help yourself to some molten lava cake in the kitchen."