Page 45 of Starts With a Bang

“Making an omelet for Janet.”

“You’ve got a keeper,” she said.

Dom nuzzled my neck, and I held my breath so I wouldn’t giggle. “I sure do,” he said.

“Do you want me to make you something to eat too?” I asked Dom.

“Nope. I don’t like to eat early, but I wouldn’t mind trying to get another few hours of sleep.”

I knew better than that. He wanted to get me naked, and I wanted it too.

“Didn’t sleep well?” Janet asked.

“I rarely do when I’m not in my own bed,” Dom said. “I’m a terrible traveler in that way.”

I knew very little about Dom’s life between the time he left after high school and when he returned. I had two weeks of his undivided attention, and I planned to put it to good use.

“What about you, Sven?” Janet asked. “Do you like to travel?”

“I do, but I don’t sleep well either. I just try to view it as extra time for experiences and adventures.”

“You guys really are a good match. There’s nothing worse than being an insomniac in a relationship with someone who practically dies when they close their eyes.” The bitterness in her voice told me she spoke from experience. “God, what must that be like?”

Dom and I knew she hadn’t addressed the question to us, so neither of us answered. Dom released me and returned to the island, and I missed his body heat immediately. I offered to toast bread or a bagel to go with her breakfast, but Janet declined. She seemed so appreciative when I slid the plate in front of her.

“This is almost too pretty to eat,” she declared as she cut into the omelet. Her eyes widened when she took the first bite. “Mmmmm.” Janet covered her mouth with her hand as she chewed. “This is the best thing I’ve had in a long time.”

I’d seen the photos of gourmet meals on her social media accounts and suspected she’d exaggerated just a bit. “You’re too kind.”

Janet shoveled another bite into her mouth and shook her head. She pointed at the plate as she chewed and swallowed. “There’s soul in here. Nothing flashy or fancy. Just pure affection for food. Someone has taught you well.”

“Lucinda,” Dom and I said together.

Janet smiled affectionately. “Molly Beth speaks so fondly of her.”

“The regard is mutual,” I replied.

Dom coaxed additional holiday plans out of Janet, and I groaned when she mentioned a day on the ski slopes.

“You don’t ski?” Janet asked.

“Nope. Hot chocolate by a fireplace in the lodge is more my speed.”

“Dom, you love to ski,” Janet said.

“Not since my shoulder injury.” He rubbed the area as if just the thought pained him.

“Well, darn,” Janet said. “I guess I really suck at this.”

“There are many other things we can do together or even break into groups,” I suggested. “There’s no need for anyone to be unhappy or do things that don’t appeal to them. I’m dying to visit the shops and boutiques in town, and Dom would rather take a chef’s knife to the eye than do that.”

Janet cackled and nearly spat out her eggs.

“Exaggerate much?” Dom asked, but his eyes shimmered with delight.

“Oh, so you’re going to tag along for the shopping expedition?” I asked.

“Hell no, but I’d choose that over getting stabbed in the eye.” Dom leaned down and kissed me. “I’d even carry all your bags like a pack mule.”

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