Page 41 of Simply Irresistible
“So I’ve been told…”
He laughed. “Come on...I’m watching old episodes ofCSI.”
I kicked off my shoes as he pulled me over to his bed. We laid down in our usual position, with him propped up by pillows and me alongside him with my head resting on his chest. He pressed play on the computer screen, and we watched the Vegas forensics team do their thing.
I fell asleep in my favorite place, listening to his heartbeat.
Morning came way too soon.
22
Tyler
So you see, folks...whether you are using an elaborate stainless steel machine in your backyard, a small charcoal grill on your balcony, or a countertop appliance in your galley-style kitchen, the possibilities are endless.
I watched the cursor blink rapidly at the end of the last paragraph.
I’d finally done it.
I drafted a city grilling article. I’d need to practice some different recipes using different grills and techniques before I could write the next column, but I completed the introduction to the series and after re-reading it for a third time, I thought it was pretty damn good.
Whether or not anyone else would ever read it was yet to be determined. Melanie had a ridiculous amount of faith in me, but she also had a great boss who would probably support her desire to be more than just an executive assistant. My boss probably wasn’t even aware of what my official job title was. Peon Gopher Boy was not it.
I jotted down a few spices to grab from the corner store and some meat I needed from the butcher, then sent a text to Hannah telling her I’d be utilizing their massive grill that evening. She never cared, but I always wanted to announce myself, not wanting to drop by uninvited. She and Preston acted like an old married couple, but I was sure they still did things I didn’t want to walk in on. As expected, she replied for me to come over any time, so I grabbed my wallet and keys, and left the apartment.
***
“What is that flavor?” Hannah asked around a moan as she chewed another piece of filet.
“Try this piece,” I said, ignoring her previous question. I couldn’t share all my secrets, even with my sister. She glared at me but took the offered fork and put the meat in her mouth.
“Mmm, this is good, too. But it tastes the same.”
I grinned. Just what I’d been hoping for. “One was grilled on your electric grill in the kitchen, the other on the grill out back.”
“No way,” she said.
“Yes way.”
“How do you do that?”
“A magician never tells.” I said, setting the plates down on the table in front of her.
Hannah rolled her eyes. “Whatever. If you won’t tell me, you’ll just have to keep coming over here and making me steaks.”
“As long as you’re buying.” The two small filets I picked up at the butcher on the way over cost twenty bucks a pop. I couldn’t afford to make that a habit.
“I would gladly stock my fridge with filet mignon and any other kind of meat if you came over and grilled for me on the regular.” She pulled over the plate with the counter-cooked filet and cut off another piece. “It’s uncanny how you are able to capture the taste of the grill in something that was cooked in the kitchen.”
I shrugged. “Practice makes perfect.” Also, the right seasoning blend did wonders.
“How’s Melanie?”
I smiled, thinking of my girl. “She’s great.”
“Is she enjoying Paris?”
“I think so. Brianna’s kept her pretty busy, so she’s exhausted, but the whole thing is right up her alley, so I think she’s enjoying it.”
