Page 32 of Kiss of Steel

“I predict it to be one of the best. Day after tomorrow, we’ll get some new shipments, and we can restock. Why don’t you go home? You missed lunch.”

“You don’t need to tell me twice. But, you didn’t have lunch either.”

“No, which is why as soon as I run off the sales report, I’m calling it quits.”

“Okay, then. See you tomorrow! And thanks again for the heads-up and letting me put those items aside.”

* * * *

“You picked up the laundry!” She greeted Jason as he came through the door carrying their clean clothing.

“Had to. I’m out of pants.” He draped his burden over the sofa arm.

She’d intended to pick it up, but she’d been so frazzled after work, the laundry had slipped her mind. Fortunately, she’d had the foresight to pay for it in advance when they dropped it off. “By the way, I took the liberty of putting a few things aside for you at the co-op. You can get them after payday. Maybe see what else catches your eye. Having laundry done every other day is going to be inconvenient—especially if we forget and run out of clothes.”

“Thanks. I’ll wash up and then we can go to dinner?” He grabbed a shirt and pair of pants from the clean pile.

“Yes. I’m starving. I missed lunch.”

While he showered, she hung the clothing in the closet. The weapon sat on the top shelf, a reassuring presence. She didn’t expect trouble on Refuge, but life had a way of tossing it at you when you weren’t looking. She never wanted to be caught flat-footed again.

Jason emerged in fresh clothes and greeted her with a kiss. She wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him with a burgeoning affection, gratitude, and wonder at how well their marriage was working out.Aren’t we a regular married couple! He even picked up the laundry. And he talks now.He would never be a chatterbox, but the taciturn, uncommunicative man was gone.

She peered up at him. “You’re such a good husband.”

He looked startled. “Am I?”

“I think so.”

His forehead creased. “I don’t have any experience being a husband.”

“Well, then, you have a natural talent.”

They held hands on the way to the mess hall. “How did it go with the hornigers today?” she asked.

“I’m making progress with one of them, but I only spent a half day riding—or trying to ride. The other half I repaired the fences. How was your work?”

“Oh my god! Have you ever seen locusts strip a field bare? The travelers descended on the mercantile and damn near cleaned us out of food, clothing, and tools. Every single herb cake and tong set was sold. Some aisles are barren. Even the rodents are gone.”

“Rodents?”

“Yeah. I thought they were vermin, but some alien special-ordered them. They’re a delicacy.” She shuddered.

“Not your cup of tea?”

“Not my anything.”

He laughed and squeezed her hand, but he seemed a little distracted.

“We restock the day after tomorrow when a new shipment comes in. While stock is low, I’m going to reorganize things a bit. Maven has a good handle on what the clientele like, but her merchandising needs some work.”

He nodded. “Did you mean it?” he said.

“Mean what?”

“What you said earlier. That you think I’m a good husband.”

So far so good,she started to joke, but his serious expression stopped her. “Of course I did. I wouldn’t have said it otherwise.”

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