Page 38 of Shame

“Can’t help it when it comes to you.”

She chews on the corner of her lip before asking, “How old are you?”

“How old do you think I am?”

“Are you going to be upset if I’m wrong?”

“Depends…” I say carefully, but laugh so she knows I’m kidding.

She keeps chewing on her lip, her gaze darting all over my face.

“I’m going to say… thirty-four.”

My brows shoot up. “Well, damn. I’ll take it.”

“Oh no, I’m wrong? I was so sure I was right!”

“You’re wrong, sweetheart, but not by much. I’m thirty-six.”

“Do you know how old I am?”

“No, and I ain’t foolish enough to guess, so you either tell me or I’ll never know.”

She throws her head back and laughs, the sound like music.

“I’ll be nice,” she promises. “I’m twenty-five.”

“Yeah, I would’ve guessed about that.”

We fall into silence as we watch the movie, which has my attention now that I’m really watching it. I think I know what’s going to happen, but then I don’t. Cora stays cuddled to myside the whole time, and the popcorn bowl is empty outside of a few kernels once the movie is done.

I don’t want to leave, though that’s probably what I should do because it’s late and she’s got work tomorrow. I consider asking her to watch another movie, but I bet she’s exhausted. Bet she doesn’t get enough sleep to begin with. I can’t be the reason she gets even less.

“Thanks for having me,” I say as I get up.

“Thanks for everything you did tonight.”

“It was nothing.”

“It was definitely not nothing.” She walks to the door, pulling it open. “So, I’ll see you tomorrow for the washing machine?”

I step outside but turn to face her, holding open the screen door with my shoulder. “You will definitely see me tomorrow for the washing machine… and maybe more.”

She smiles wide, leaning against the door frame.. “I’d like that.”

My cell rings, and I pull it from my pocket. “Sorry, club shit,” I say when I see it’s Coyote. “Give me one second.” I step away, letting the screen door close carefully and keep my voice down.

“You gotta get to the club right now. We’ve got a problem.”

“Be there in ten.” I end the call, moving back to Cora, who is looking at me a little oddly. Don’t really know how to explain it, but it isn’t how she was looking at me a few moments ago.

“Gotta get to the club.” I pull the screen door open.

“This time of night?” she asks, raising a brow. Can’t tell if it’s cause she’s worried or… I don’t know, jealous? Nah, that’s just wishful thinking. Why would she be jealous? She didn’t ask me to stay. If she had, I’d tell her I’ll come back here as soon as I can.

“Always on call.” I put my hand on her hip, not able to get enough of touching her, then kiss her, long and deep. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Nine o’clock.”

“See you tomorrow.”

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