Page 45 of Stuck with my Guarded MVP
I rubbed the back of my neck. "No. I mean, yes. I mean—"
She grinned, clearly enjoying the flustered mess I’d become.
I sighed. "I was going to make dinner. To say thanks. For everything."
"That’s not necessary," she said, but her voice had softened.
I looked down, suddenly very interested in my mug. I took a sip of my coffee to avoid looking at her. “Yeah. I figured you’d say that.”
She must’ve caught my discomfort, because her next words came with a teasing lilt. "Well, what are you thinking of making?"
I glanced up. She was smiling, one eyebrow raised like she knew I would take the bait.
"So now you’ll only say yes if you like the menu?"
She shrugged. "Seems fair."
"You know you’ll love whatever I make.”
She narrowed her eyes, giving me the‘Is that so’ face.
"Fine. I was thinking of seafood risotto.”
“You had me at risotto.”
I couldn’t help the laugh that slipped out.
She put a hand to her chest, all dramatic. "It’s true. My microwave meals, while convenient, do not hold a candle to your elaborate concoctions. There. I said it. Happy?”
I smirked. "I knew you’d come around."
She narrowed her eyes playfully. "On one condition."
That tone had me instantly on guard. "What?"
"Have you shopped for supplies yet?"
She is going to offer to go shopping for me.
No way. I'm not risking her picking up dried herbs.
“Not yet. Planning to go this morning, before practice.”
"Then take me shopping with you."
That caught me off guard.
I blinked. "You don’t have to come. I mean, I’ve got it covered."
I always shop alone.
I like shopping alone.
Well, I never really had anyone to shop with.
I hesitated. Part of me still wanted to tell her no. I have my spots, my rhythm.
She tilted her head. "I want to learn how to pick the ripest fruit. Freshest vegetables. You know, your system."
