Page 33 of Happily Ever Laughter

“Yes. He’s got me on this sixty day program he’s experimenting with. I’m his volunteer tester.”

“That’s nice of him.”

“Yeah, so nice that he tries to kick my ass and make me cry.” I stick my bottom lip out until she laughs.

“Poor baby. But it’s a nice ass, so the two of you must be doing something right.”

I laugh awkwardly with my mouth full of eggs. “I’ll be sure to tell him you said so.”

After we finish breakfast, we wash the dishes and pan together, once again working as a team, perfectly together.

“Why are you smiling to yourself?” she asks.

“I just realized that we are totally in sync at the sink.” I shake my head. “I know, my brain goes to strange places.”

“I like it,” she smiles up at me.

Once we finish, I dry my hands and put on the rest of my clothes, then pull her into my arms.

With the bed right there, I can’t help but crave more of her, but that wouldn’t be the right thing to do. She was so tight last night that I wouldn’t want to overdo it and make her sore.

“Have a good time at the gym,” Tanis says brightly.

“Thanks. You have a good time…shooting video clips, I assume?”

“Yes. And catching up on my reading. And laundry.”

“I’ll call you soon.” With one last kiss, I leave before I talk myself out of it.

By the time I get home, changed, and down to the gym, I’m late enough that I know Dan is going to give me hell.

As soon as I walk in, he places his hands on his hips like a stern school teacher. “And where were we last night? Getting plenty of sleep to be fresh for our training program today, I hope?”

I try to glare, but he’s just too ridiculous.

“I want to hear every detail of your cute romantic night later. Right now, treadmill, medium, ten minutes.”

“Yes, boss,” I grumble, even though I’m laughing.

As I trudge dramatically toward the row of machines, I’m surprised to see Oliver at the end. Taking the one next to him, I set it, then begin my quick walk. He’s moving slowly, staring into space with a notepad and pen propped awkwardly on top.

“Story problems?”

He startles slightly at the sound of my voice, then nods. “Yes. I need a reason for the knight to avoid the beautiful queen for at least five days.”

I’m shocked that he’s sharing even a single detail about his work. Maybe Oliver is opening up.

“Hmm...how beautiful are we talking here?” I tease.

The strangely embarrassed half smile is not an expression I’ve

ever seen on his face before. “She’s blonde, with the face of an angel.”

I would never in a million years have guessed that Oliver goes for blondes. Who knew?

“Why does the knight have to avoid her for a few days?”

“It takes that long for the forces of Jaqueira to gather.”

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