Page 106 of Foreplay on Words

I nodded as I took a deep breath and inhaled.

“Did you just sniff me?” he laughed.

“Maybe...” I admitted as I picked at a frayed thread along the piping on the couch cushion under my legs.

“Let’s go pack. If we leave soon, we can make it there in enough time to get groceries for dinner.”

“Oh take out. I will miss you so,” I sighed dramatically.

“You’re so weird,” he laughed as he hugged me tighter. “I’m not sure if I should be offended by your attachment to take out meals.”

“Pretty sure you’re stuck with me and my crappy taste in food,” I giggled as I leaned into his embrace.

“I’m okay with that.” His voice was amused, but I could tell he was quite happy with that fact. I was as well, despite my earlier freak-out. “You know I’m happy to take care of you. I can even attempt to recreate some of your take out favorites.”

“Does this mean I get more naked chef time?”

He sighed and shook his head. “You’ve got a one-track mind.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“You have to start running with me at least three times a week,” he bargained.

“Three?” I looked at him; my face scrunched in distaste. “Two?”

He shrugged as he shook his head. “Then I get to keep my briefs on.”

“Dammit.” I pretended to think about it.

“Fine. No running—then shorts stay on too.”

“You suck,” I groaned as I pretended to be put out.

“Pretty sure that’s you who does the sucking.” He bit his lip to keep back laughter.

“Not if you make me go running all the time. I’ll be too tired,” I insisted.

He rolled his eyes. “Your mouth won’t be the thing running. Although, on second thought…”

Part of me tried to be annoyed with him, but the teasing meant he was finally comfortable enough to stand up to my dramatics. I was also relieved that he hadn’t been upset by my editor sussing out our new collaboration. She didn’t have the details of the actual book, but we were on her radar.

“Are we doing this?” he asked as we sat upright.

“Yeah,” I nodded as I looked at the front door. “I’m half terrified Isobel will show up here any second. Or send Kristine in her place.”

“Adrian keeps texting me, but I sent him an ‘out of office’ text,” he confessed.

“You don’t even have an office,” I giggled. Clever, clever man.

“I know, but it pisses him off. I have it saved in the notes on my phone, so I copy and paste it every time he texts or emails me.”

“You’re an evil genius, Evan Stineman.”

“I try.” The slight blush on his cheeks made me love him even more. His personality was not all that different from mine when we were alone. It was in social interactions where we differed. I wished l he’d show this part of himself to the world, but I was perfectly happy keeping him all to myself.

“Make sure you don’t forget the apron.” I winked as I stood up from the couch and held my hand out. He pushed himself up and followed me into the bedroom, lightly bumping into me from behind.

“Maybe I should order you an apron, too,” Evan whispered as he let go of my hand and slipped his hands around my waist. “You could burn water in it, and I’d bring my big hose to extinguish the fire.”

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