Page 93 of The Wife Situation

When she moves past me, I don’t turn toward her, but I speak up as she climbs the stairs.

“Wear something you’re not afraid to get dirty.”

The sound of her feet against the wooden floor is followed by the door clicking closed. As she’s upstairs, I pull eggs and bacon from the fridge.

When I told the real estate manager I’d be arriving in Jackson Hole this week, they asked if I wanted the chef I typically hire to join me. He stays in the guest house in the back and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner when I’m present. This time, I passed, so it would be more private for us.

I place a skillet on the burner.

“You know how to cook?” she asks, grabbing two mugs from a cabinet and filling them for us.

“Sometimes. When I’m in the mood. What about you?” I give her a nod as I hook my finger through the loop of the ceramic mug.

“Is this another test?” She smirks as she leans against the counter.

I’m happy she’s not upset with me.

“No. It’s not a requirement,” I tell her with a chuckle.

“If by ‘cook’, you mean bake an incredible batch of chocolate chip cookies, then yes. But I’m known to burn toast and popcorn.”

I glance over at her. “I’m sorry if I was harsh.”

“You weren’t. I needed the reminder and appreciate it. Always truth. I prefer it,” she says. “Now, can we talk about something else?”

“Sure,” I say, glad she understands.

“Check out the backyard,” I tell her, flipping the bacon.

She walks in front of the wall of windows, staring at the mountains in the distance. “Wow.”

“The best view,” I tell her, but I’m not talking about the snowcaps.

Once breakfast is ready, I set the plates in the nook and she joins me.

“Napkin?” I offer, handing her one.

She picks up a slice of bacon and it crunches.

“Well?”

“Perfect. Just how I like it.”

“It’s how I like it too. So, today, I’ve got something fun planned …”

She turns to me and her eyes widen. “Yes?”

Excitement radiates from her.

“Never mind. I’ll let you wait a little longer.”

“Yousuck,” she says. “A lot.”

“Ilovebuilding anticipation.”

She chuckles. “And I love being edged.”

I tilt my head at her and she smirks before turning away.

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