Page 50 of Love In The Spotlight

“I don’t,” he said. “Not yet. Though I could have still brought them in and kept them in certain parts of the house without them seeing any signs of Penelope.”

He would have hidden it all because there were pictures of Penelope in his room, his family room and his office.

“I find it hard to believe you haven’t had sex in almost two years,” she said. “So you must go to hotels or their place.”

He squinted one eye at her. “I haven’t had as much as you might think, but I’ve dated a few women here or there for a short period. My days of one-night stands are over.”

Even when he dated it was laid back. Not enough to have them at his house and maybe that was why they didn’t last.

Most times the woman wanted to go to his place and he’d find excuses to not have it happen.

The fact he was dating them was usually enough for them to give in because they had hoped for something long term when it’d never been on his radar.

Yet it was now.

“I haven’t dated in a while,” Laken said. She moved out of his arms. He liked holding her but guessed if they were going to talk she’d rather sit on the couch.

But she walked into the kitchen and pulled out a board with cheese, crackers, fruits, dips and some meats. Something he’d put together at home himself.

“This looks nice,” he said. He reached for a strawberry.

“I figured it was something you’d like. Easy enough too. I guess it’s a good thing, as this is much better than chips and dip or wings.”

He laughed. “Do you like wings?”

“I love wings. But I know you are of the opinion your body is a temple.”

The fact her eyes roamed over him and heated up gave him some encouragement for the night, but he wouldn’t pressure her either.

“The better you take care of your body, the better it will take care of you,” he said.

“True. I thought dinner would be more along the lines of snacking. I’m not very good when it comes to cooking if I’m distracted. I haven’t set anything on fire in a long time and don’t want to do it with you here.”

He laughed. “Seriously?”

“I was a kid. But yes. I tend to multi-task. Though I think I’m a champion at it in my job, not so much in the household. I’ve burned clothing trying to iron and answer emails at the same time. Now I use a steamer.”

“Instead of taking a step back from doing so much at once, you just found other ways to make sure you didn’t have errors?” he asked.

He wasn’t sure he’d ever seen someone work as much as her. Even in his prime playing and proving himself, he still took breaks.

“We all have to do what we need to do,” she said. “But I get it. I think watching my brothers having relationships now is letting me see it’s possible. Not that I’m rushing anything here,” she said quickly, her hand moving back and forth between them.

“I understood what you were saying. Maybe I feel the same way. We’ve got some obstacles in the way, but I don’t think as many as you are putting up.”

“Possibly,” she said. “And back to food. I picked up a bunch of finger foods that I only have to heat. Not frozen things but nice healthy prepared items from a restaurant.”

“I’m not concerned with the food. I splurge enough because that is what life is about. I was just happy to get this time with you.”

“No rush to get home?” she asked. “I’m assuming Janelle is staying with Penelope all night?”

“She is,” he said. “I told her not to wait up.”

He wasn’t going to add he’d also said he might not be home at all. The only thing he didn’t say was where he was going.

“Good,” she said. “We’ve got all night to relax.”

“Is that what we are going to do?” he asked.

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