Page 89 of Lovetown, USA
“I didn’t think I had to.”
“It’s not a problem, Cam, but I’m having company tonight.”
The smile returns. It’s more of a goofy ass grin, really. “A woman?”
“Yeah. So you can either head out for the evening, or make yourself scarce. Me canceling is not an option.”
He stands, walking over to dap me up. “What y’all gon’ be doin’?”
I point to the stairs, and he walks off, his laughter trailing away as he goes.
I toss his Jordans in the corner and hit the off button on the remote. After a quick shower, I retreat to the kitchen, rolling up my sleeves.
I start with the garlic, chopping rhythmically, letting the savory smell calm me. The sizzle of olive oil hitting the pan fills the air. Next come the onions and cherry tomatoes.
I’m just sliding the salmon fillets into the skillet when the doorbell rings.
I smile immediately.
When I open the door, Lane is there in jeans and a soft blouse, her hair loose, her face fresh like she didn’t try too hard, and she still manages to steal all the oxygen from my lungs.
“Hey,” she purrs.
I grab her messenger bag off her shoulder, then wrap her in a hug. “Hey. Thanks for coming. Welcome to my home.”
She steps inside, looking around a bit. “I may work tonight,” she says, pointing to her bag. “I’m on a roll. When that happens, I like to have my laptop handy just in case.”
I shut the door behind her. “The exposé?”
“Mm hm.” She slips her shoes off, and damn, her feet are so fucking pretty. My eyes are fixed on her toes for a good thirty seconds before I remember to set her bag down.
“Smells good in here,” she says as she follows me to the kitchen. “What are you making me?”
I get to work cutting fingerling potatoes. “I’m making you salmon, then I’m making you those cookies you like, then I’m making you cum.”
Her eyes light up. “Sounds perfect.”
I give her a wink.
“I actually…I have something for you.” She gets off the counter stool and walks over to her bag. “It’s the article I told you about.”
She hands me a thin stack of papers. “You can’t find it online anywhere, but I still have the original. They scrubbed everything under my byline.”
I wipe my hands on my apron, then take what she’s offering. “I didn’t wanna ask.”
“I know. You aren’t the kind of man who pries.”
I nod. “What made you keep this?”
“Reminder, I guess.” She sighs. “Of what I lost. Of the importance of keeping my shit together.”
Just as she finishes speaking, a loud thump from upstairs makes her jump.
“What was that?”
“It’s just my son. He came home for the weekend. Surprised the hell out of me.”
“Oh.”
