Page 32 of Before the Night Falls
Instead, he nodded at the legal pad full of notes in Olivia’s lap. “Writing a book?”
She sat cross-legged on the couch, hair pulled back in a ponytail and glasses on. It was a studious side of Olivia that Tyson hadn’t seen before.
“Actually, I am. It’s calledDeath by Potatoes. It’s all my favorite recipes with potatoes—potato salad, fries, baked potatoes, mashed potatoes. Your diet plan has driven me to this point.”
Tyson chuckled as he leaned against the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest. Her response was typical Olivia. “Sounds like quite the concept.”
She grinned. “Not only that, but I’m also developing a diet plan of my own.”
Tyson raised his eyebrows. “And does that plan include potatoes?”
“Oh, does it . . . it’s called the Junk Food Diet.”
“And?”
“And . . . you can eat any junk food you want—in limited quantities, of course—and eat nothing healthy and still lose weight. I can’t believe no one has thought of it yet.” She tilted her head his way. “I’m going to give you a run for your money.”
Tyson couldn’t stop the grin from stretching across his lips. She was clever. He’d give her credit for that.
He chuckled. “You’re something else, Olivia. You know that? No wonder so many people watching you on TV adore you.”
She shrugged. “They adore a version of me, I suppose.”
Tyson noticed her gaze stop on him, and her eyes turned serious.
“What?” He tilted his head. “Is my hair sticking up or something?”
“I was just thinking . . .” Her expression remained solemn a moment before a soft smile tugged at her lips. “I was thinking about how you’re a deserving role model for people, Tyson. I don’t say that to just anyone. I really mean it.”
Surprise washed through him. Olivia could be so teasing one moment and so sincere the next. It made it hard to know what to expect from her . . . and he liked that quality about her.
“That’s kind of you. I appreciate it, Olivia.” Tyson’s voice lowered to an almost intimate tone.
Olivia blushed and looked away, clearing her throat. “Isn’t it time to eat?”
“That’s why I came to get you.”
“Let’s go then.”
* * *
“So, what’s on the menu for today?” Olivia asked as she and Tyson walked toward the kitchen.
Tyson shrugged. “I’m actually not sure yet.”
“You’re not?” Her voice lilted in exaggerated surprise. “That’s a first.”
“Sometimes I like to wing it. What are you in the mood for?”
“Let me make something for us.” Her eyes danced. As if she could read his next thought she added, “It will fit the diet plan. I promise.”
“My diet plan . . . or yours?”
“You’ll just have to wait and see.” She flashed a grin.
“All right. I’m game. Go for it.”
She looked pleased with herself. Maybe even surprised.
