I gradually relaxed into the soft cushions, closing my eyes and listening to the sounds coming from the kitchen as Edward worked. After a little while the noises stopped, and it was quiet for a moment. I didn’t hear Edward come up behind me, but suddenly I felt something gritty being poured over my head. I jumped up in surprise and watched as the flour cascaded off my hair and down my front. I whirled on Edward.

His eyes were sparkling with amusement, but his voice was solemn as he spoke. “Have I ever told you that you’re adorable when you’re angry.” He smiled crookedly and I melted. It was too much work staying mad at him for any length of time.

I circled the couch until I was standing in front of him. Deliberately, I reached down and scraped the flour from my shirt, never letting go of his gaze. Then I lifted my finger and drew it across his face, leaving a trail of flour across his skin. I smirked widely.

Edward frowned. “You didn’t.”

I giggled. He tried to grab me but I evaded him, running into the kitchen, where the bag of flour had been left open on the table. I reached in and grabbed a fistful. Edward had followed right behind me, so I turned and flung it at him. He was closer than I thought, and the flour splattered him right in the face. I snickered. He blinked, and slowly reached into the bag and pulled out his own handful. He played with it for a moment, tossing it back and forth in his hands.

“Are you sure you want to start this?” he asked with a smirk. In response, I shamelessly threw a second handful into his face.

Edward shrugged. “If you insist.” He made as if to throw the flour at me but I ducked out of the way. Nothing hit me, and I felt a twinge of smug satisfaction that I’d been able to dodge his assault. I looked up and realized why. Instead of throwing the flour at me, he’d taken advantage of the flour bag left unguarded on the table. He took it in his hands and positioned it to fling at me.

“You wouldn’t,” I glared. He raised an eyebrow…