Page 56 of The Sound of Us

Skye pulled back with a low groan. “Chad will be waiting for us.”

“Fuck Chad.”

“I was hoping you’d fuck me instead.”

I pulled her close. Kissed the top of her head.

“Let’s get rid of him and we’ll have the station to ourselves for at least ten minutes.”

Skye laughed. It was the world’s most beautiful sound.

We didn’t have to get rid of Chad. He had a hot date with a shot-putter who was apparently an expert with balls. After he’d gone, Skye and I headed upstairs. Our ten minutes alone had become ten seconds when the next show host arrived early.

“All that kissing made me hungry,” she said. “Do you want to grab some pizza?”

“I thought you had to run.”

“I already worked out today. I just needed extra stress release, but you took care of that.”

My chest puffed with satisfaction. I’d done that. I’d helped her relax. I could get her food and help with that, too.

“I’m in. I’ve been eating leftover lasagna three nights in a row.”

“Was it frozen lasagna or did you make it yourself?” Her hand brushed against mine as we walked toward the pizza restaurant, sending a bolt of electricity straight to my groin.

“I learned how to cook after my mother died. My dad wasn’t into the whole parenting thing. My sister and I ate Fruit Loops and ham sandwiches every day for a month until I figured I’d better learn how to make something else, or we’d die of malnutrition.” Except for Noah, I’d never talked to anyone about my family. It was both freeing and disconcerting. I wanted to let her in, but I couldn’t let her get too close.

“You were a good big brother,” she said. “She was lucky to have you.”

We reached the counter, and I pulled out my credit card. “I have a responsibility to ensure our interns don’t die of starvation so I’m buying, unless you order something boring like pepperoni and then you’re on your own.”

“Ham and pineapple.”

I tipped my head back with a groan. “That’s the musical equivalent of Apocalyptica. Mixing contrasting styles like classical music and heavy metal just isn’t right. Next you’ll be telling me you listen to Mumford & Sons or the Avett Brothers.”

“I think they’re innovative and refreshing, just like pineapple on pizza.” She tipped her head to the side. “What are you going to have?”

“The Wild Man. It’s got everything on it except pineapple because that would just be wrong.”

“So, your musical equivalent is Mr. Bungle, or maybe Naked City.” She gave me a sideways glance. “I’m learning so much about you today. You don’t talk much about yourself so I have to collect what little tidbits I can.”

“Can I show you something?” The words came out before I could stop them, but I was already keeping one secret from her. I didn’t want to keep any more.

She tipped her head to the side. “Is it something that shouldn’t be seen in public and could get you arrested?”

“No. Jesus. What kind of guy do you think I am?”

“I don’t know. You are as mysterious as you are multifaceted. We’ve had sex twice and I still feel like I don’t understand you.”

“Come on an adventure with me and I’ll show you who I am.”

She rested her chin in her hand, her eyes sparkling. “I might have seen enough the other night…”

“I’ll try your pizza,” I offered.

Her eyes lit up. “You have to swallow it. No gagging. No spitting it out…”

“Did you really just say that?”

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