Page 85 of Carnal

He kisses me on the forehead. "You keep the bed warm. I'm going to find a menu somewhere in this place."

I point to the desk. "Or you could start with that binder."

He glances at it then beams at me. "See now. That's why I need to keep you. I'll never be searching for menus." He picks it up and jumps on the bed, thumbing through it. After a few seconds, he pumps his arm in the air. "Pizza! No goat cheese garlic knots, but they have pretzel bites with cheddar cheese. That'll do."

"Are you that hungry?" I ask.

He dramatically jerks his head backward. "After that workout we just had?"

My stomach growls. "Guess you're right."

He wiggles his eyebrows. "Okay, well, I know you love pretzel bites. If memory serves, you prefer your pizza with parmesan crust, mushrooms, and black olives."

"Wow! Have you been stalking me?" I tease but am also impressed he's paid attention.

When did he pay attention? We haven't had pizza together in a long time.

He picks up the phone next to the bed and hits the speakerphone and another button. It rings, and a man answers, "Good evening. Is this Mr. or Mrs. Marino?"

I almost correct them, but Tristano tugs me closer and answers, "Both."

Like last time they called me Mrs. Marino, I like it. I wonder what it would be like to be his in that way. Then I reprimand myself for even contemplating such a thing.

The man replies, "Great. I hope you're enjoying your stay so far?"

"Yes, everything is perfect," Tristano states, winking at me.

My flutters take off again.

The man asks, "What can I do for you?"

Tristano says, "We need to order food. Can I do that through you?"

"Yes, sir."

Tristano's hand strokes my torso. "We need an extra-large pizza with parmesan crust, mushrooms, and black olives. Also, can we get two orders of pretzel bites with extra cheese sauce?"

"Two?" I question.

He nods.

"Right away, sir. Would you like anything different than what's in your fridge?" the man asks.

"Pina?" Tristano inquires.

"Was there water in the fridge?"

"Yeah."

"I'll have that."

"We're good on drinks," Tristano replies.

"Very well. Is there anything else I can get you?"

"Nah. That'll do."

"It'll be about thirty minutes."

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