Page 55 of Fix Me Up, Cowboy
“Do you usually eat pizza like you’re about to have an orgasm?”
Everyone else is laughing over something TJ said, so they don’t hear his question.
But that still doesn’t stop my face from heating up.
“No, but I’ve never had pizza like this one. It’s so good.” I take another bite, close my eyes, and repeat the sound.
A little louder this time.
I open my eyes in time to catch Noah staring at my lips, his own slightly parted. His breath is coming in a beat faster than before.
Someone coughs, and I drag my gaze from his mouth to see who it is…to find everyone watching us.
Oh, shoot.
Just how loud was I?
“Good pizza, huh?” Austin says with a laugh, and my face heats high enough to incinerate my slice.
“It’s very good pizza,” I mumble and stuff some more of it into my mouth. This time I keep the sounds more PG rated.
Despite my mortification, I enjoy the teasing that comes from the group. It’s not just me who’s the target of their playful banter and joking around. Everyone gets their own share of teasing.
* * *
It’slate afternoon by the time we call it a day.
“Thanks for helping me,” I tell them. I hug Violet, Sophie, and Aubrey. Genuine hugs, not the fake ones common in my social circle back home.
After everyone leaves, Noah says, “There’s still some stuff I want to finish before I go home.”
“Okay. I’ll be in the kitchen if you’re looking for me.”
By the time Noah has completed the last of his tasks, the kitchen is packed up, other than the few items I’ll still need over the next few days.
I’m leaning against the counter, vaguely aware that I’m rubbing my injured leg when Noah enters the room.
“You know what helps TJ when his bum knee acts up?”
“TJ has a bum knee?”
“Yep, from when he was active on the rodeo circuit. It abruptly ended what was once a promising career.”
“So what’s this magical secret you speak highly of?”
“You’ll see. Do you have a swimsuit…or are you comfortable skinny-dipping?” He steps closer to me. “Although if my vote counts for anything, I’m all for skinny-dipping.”
I laugh, doing my best to ignore the panic scampering through me. “I’m sure you would be.”
“I take it that’s a no on skinny-dipping?”
“I’d say you’re right.”
“So what about a swimsuit?”
I shift on my feet and decide this would be a good time to drink a glass of water.
Or a bottle of wine.
