Page 81 of Fortune's Control
“You sit down while I clean up.” I took our plates to the kitchen sink and turned on the faucet.
“That’s unnecessary.”
“You made dinner. It’s only fair I clean up.”
“That’s incorrect.” Shane sidled up behind me to pull the hair off my neck. “That’s not how we do things here.”
I set the dirty plate in the sink and leaned against him. “Then instruct me.” I pressed my lips together, knowing what he was about to say.
“In this house, you sit and relax while I clean up. So, sit down and relax.” There it was.
I put my hand under the water, forming a shallow cup, and flung. Shane drew back and wiped the water off his face.
“You splashed me.”
“I did.” My shoulders shook.
“Are you pleased with yourself?”
“Very proud.” A laugh escaped despite my best efforts, and Shane joined. “We’ll do it together, and that’s an order.”
Shane washed a few dirty pots while I loaded the dishwasher. The counters and stovetop were next.
“Do you want some hot tea with the icecream?” Shane asked.
“Hot tea at night and iced coffee in the morning. I don’t make the rules.”
He shook his head and turned on the electric kettle.
I pulled the carton of ice cream from the freezer and reread the label. Strawberries were delicious, but I’d looked forward to a chocolate dessert all day. Aiden took my brownies, so those were no longer an option.
“Can you get the bowls?”
Shane grabbed the carton from my hands and stuck it back in the freezer. “I can’t do this.”
My heart pounded. “What do you mean?” The finality of his statement terrified me.
“It’s not what you want. Hold on.” He grabbed the phone in his pocket and dialed. “Jack, I need a favor.”
He’s kicking me out in exchange for Jack?
Shane, unaware of my panic, continued. “I am not doing it again. I used the word favor, which implies a request instead of an order. Get a pie from the Creekside Diner. See if they have a chocolate peanut butter pie. Wait. Hold on.” He pulled the phone away. “You do like chocolate and peanut butter together, right?”
“It’s the world’s most perfect combination.”
He’s bringing me pie.
“Yes, one of those, and while you’re there, get one for yourself. On me. Thanks.” He ended the call.
I covered my mouth. “Is he coming? I can’t believe you did that.”
“Jack might be a little upset, but it’s worth it. Dessert is served in fifteen minutes.”
Dinner, a movie, and conversation.
Bliss.
*****
