Page 70 of Steamy on Set

I push him back, laughing.

“You’re supposed to say something corny, like me being in your life is special enough.” I pour more wine down my throat.

“Why does the man always have to do the grand gestures? You know most men get flowers for the first time at their funerals?”

“Yeah, yeah, I saw the meme.”

“Just because it’s an internet quip doesn’t make it any less true.” He points a finger at me, the frown the most serious I have seen him all night.

“Okay, Errol, what is your favorite flower, so I know?”

He smirks, and one dimple shows.

“I don’t like flowers.”

I am ready to hit him when he bursts out in laughter, falling back in his chair.

“Oh my god, you are so annoying.”

“Okay, okay, I honestly would be happy if you just surprised me with a coffee, or showed up at my house to cook me a meal.” He reaches for my hand, wrapping it in his.

“I can do that and more. All jokes aside, I want to make you feel as special as you make me feel.”

His face lights up.

“You already do.” He kisses my wrist.

“There we go! That’s the shit I’m talking about.”

We both laugh, curling into one another.

Passing the bottle back and forth until it is empty, we sit and talk until the sun starts to rise. Only when we have drunk in enough of each other that we are full do we leave to go home.

Chapter 25

Havingbeenforcedtolisten to me bitch about him from the start, it seems only fitting that Monty should be the first one to meet him as my boyfriend. However, when we walk into the restaurant to her stern face, I wonder if this is a good idea.

“Hey,” I say as she gets up to hug me. Errol looks unsure if he should do the same, so he just offers her his hand.

She holds it firmly and shakes it like she is my dad trying to intimidate him.

“Nice to see you again,” he says, flexing it at his side when she lets go.

“Mhm,” is all she offers back.

We sit and quickly order, quietly talking about our days while we do. Once the waiter walks away to grab our drinks, she dives in.

“So, Errol Davis, how do you intend to make up for the months of hell you put my friend through?” She folds her hands and reclines in her seat, eyeing him down. I chose to sit next to her so I can see his face full on.

“Don’t you think it was mutual?” he asks.

“No,” she deadpans

He clears his throat and pulls at his shirt like it’s choking him. I’ve never seen him this uncomfortable before.

The waiter brings his gin and tonic, and he quickly takes a big sip.

“This isn’t a trick question,” she says.