Page 43 of A Shore Fling
“You were out cold when I finally went to bed. I checked your pulse to make sure you didn’t croak on my couch.” She pulls off the sweatshirt, leaving her in a fitted t-shirt and shorts. This is the most casual I’ve seen her dressed, and I like it a lot.
“Thanks. That’s comforting.”
She grins and heads to the coffee pot, pouring herself a mug. Adding cream, she gives it a quick stir before taking a sip. “How are you feeling now?” She moves over, standing beside me.
“Better than when I woke up. Despite your assassination attempt,” I say, nudging her arm with mine. I nod toward the lemon bars. “Those things should come with a warning label.”
Her eyes sparkle with amusement. “Duly noted. I’ll add a skull and crossbones next time so you can’t miss it.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Next time? Does that mean you’re going to make dessert for me again?”
“Well, minus the mild poisoning part.”
One side of my mouth curves in a half-smirk. “I’ll take any almond-free food up for grabs.” At the mention of food, my stomach lets out a loud growl.
Nina laughs. “Sounds like you're hungry.”
“More like starving.”
She moves to the fridge, opens it, and scans the contents. “Hmm, I’ve got some yogurt, a banana that’s starting to turn brown, and one bagel that’s past the sell-by date.”
I grimace. “Maybe I’m not so hungry after all.”
She grins over her shoulder. “Sorry. I didn’t know I was running a bed and breakfast.”
I shrug. “Well, you are, and I’m giving it four stars. Delicious dinner, tuck-in service, shoe removal, strong coffee, but you lost a star for the life-threatening dessert. Definitely an unforgettable experience.”
She tucks her chin and lets out an embarrassed titter. “Do you want the overly ripe banana or the stale bagel?”
I eye the sad-looking produce. “We can split the bagel. Do you have peanut butter?”
She nods. “I do.”
“I’ll pass on the mushy banana.”
“Sounds good,” she says, setting the items on the counter. “I’ll even let you choose which half you want.”
“I like the bottom.”
“Really?” Her eyes glimmer mischievously. “I thought you’d be a top guy.”
“Are we still talking about bagels? Because if not, I’d like to switch my answer.”
She giggles as she drops the bagel into the toaster. “Get your mind out of the gutter, harbormaster.”
“Hey, you went there first. Admit it, you’re trouble.”
“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.” She playfully feigns ignorance.
I sip my coffee and watch her remove two plates from a cabinet and a knife from a drawer. My phone buzzes, and when I pull it from my pocket, there’s a text.
Jordan: Dude, I didn’t think you’d follow through. Way to go, man!
Shaking my head, I tuck it back inside my pocket.
“Is there a problem?” Nina asks, removing the crispy bagel from the toaster.
“No, it’s Jordan. He noticed I didn’t come home last night.”
