Page 35 of One Whopper of a Love Story

“Don’t sayanything. I need you to decide. My brain isn’t capable of that right now.”

“I want sausage and mac and cheese. With a side of brisket, and if they still have any, a banana pudding.”

He ran around and climbed in. “From the barbeque place?”

“I’ve stopped telling people how good they are because then it will be crowded all the time. Imagine if people in San Antonio figured out what a gem this place was.”

He drove down the street and parked in the lot. “I’ll be right back.”

I watched as he hurried toward the building and ended up in line behind Lettie. What were they talking about? I’d have to grill her tomorrow at the shop.

Or sooner.

After glancing at my phone, I looked up and Nico was alone. And I stared. He was very nice to observe from afar or up close.

Rapping on the window nearly sent me flying through the windshield. Lettie grinned.

“Hey, I was—”

“Yeah, I know. You were watching your hunk. Is what he told me true?” There was a slight hint of accusation in her tone.

“I’m staying over there.”

She rolled her eyes. “I meant about not having a key.”

“Which is why I’m staying over there.” I sort of thought those two things went together.

“Swing by and get your key on the way to his place. Please. And I’m not worried about you staying over there because you only have twenty frogs.” She jerked back as if I was going to swat her. I would’ve if I’d been a bit quicker.

“I only have nineteen because he hasn’t given me one today. And I’ll run up and grab them.”

“Grab what?” Nico hopped in the truck.

“She needs her keys. I’m headed straight home.” Lettie waved and rushed to her car.

I laid a hand on Nico’s arm as I cradled the barbeque in my lap. “I’m still staying at your place.”

“If you change your mind, I’ll drive you home.” He clasped my hand.

“I know. You’re always a gentleman.” That was one thing I loved about him, and that word wasn’t used lightly.

I wasn’t anywhere near ready to say it out loud, but the word crept into my thoughts more lately.

Chapter 18

Nico

Sitting on the floor near my coffee table, we ate in silence. Layla hadn’t asked again what was bothering me, and I needed food before I could talk. Quiet and brooding wasn’t normal for me, but she took it in stride.

“You can have the rest of the brisket. I’m stuffed, so I’m going to set the banana pudding in the fridge.” She sprang up off the floor.

“Put mine in there too. I’ll have it later.” I ate a few more bites before carrying what was left into the kitchen. “I think I’ve had my fill too.”

“I’ll put it away. You go relax.”

“I’ve been sitting most of the day.” I leaned against the counter as she moved around the kitchen, putting food away and getting rid of trash. “I mentioned that I was going to help my dad this morning.”

Her head bobbed up and down. “He was taking down a dead tree or something.”

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