Page 55 of Tinsel Time Treasure
“Oh…”
“I appreciate the effort though, and spaghetti squash is what I normally use. So you did good.”
I smiled. “Thanks.”
My omega side relished working beside Max; being able to smell him in my space.
“Ouch!” I jumped back as the sauce spattered me.
“Are you ok?” Max asked, turning to me.
I looked at the red spot on my arm where the sauce landed. “Yeah, just surprised.”
He smiled. “Sauce does that. Want me to stir while you wash your arm?”
I shook my head. “It’ll be ok for a minute.”
“Ok.”
I turned to the sink and washed the splattered sauce from my arm, then grabbed a couple spoons and returned to the stove. I tasted the sauce, added some salt, then offered a second tasting spoon to Max.
“Mmmm,” he replied as he tasted it.
“Need anything?”
“Just to get in my belly.”
I laughed and glanced at the squash, which had been turned into noodles. “Looks like you’re done.”
“Yep.”
I grabbed a couple plates and we dished up. We were just adding parmesan to the top when the oven timer dinged.
“Perfect,” I replied as I opened it and pulled out garlic bread.
He laughed, snagged a piece and dropped it onto my plate, then grabbed one for himself.
I followed him out to the table and set my plate down. “Something to drink?” I asked when I realized that I’d forgotten earlier.
“Just ice water, thanks.”
“Got it.”
I returned a minute later with his water, then took my seat.
“How was work?” Max asked.
I smiled. “Good. Janet says we’re going to be slammed after Christmas. She says appointments are book solid through January, and she’s sold so many gift certificates Dean’s about to need to print more.”
“Damn.”
I nodded. “It’s good though. Start the new year right. I’m sure things are similar at your work.”
Max grinned. “I’m afraid to ask, but there’s always the new year’s surge.”
I plowed some spaghetti into my mouth, surprised at how good the squash replaced noodles.
“Oh,” I said once I’d finished chewing. “My mama called today.”
