Page 26 of Leaving Lando

I frown. “Romero said it was their way of being supportive.”

“Well, it was. But it was also their way of checking out Rome’s new girl.” I feel myself pale. “What’s wrong?”

“We’re not …” I look around to make sure no one can hear us, and lower my voice even more. “We’re just friends with benefits. That’s all.”

“Okay,” she says, like she doesn’t quite believe me.

“They’re not gonna start buying us toasters, are they?” The look on her face is putting knots in my stomach. “Oh, geez.”

“Look, it’s fine. This doesn’t come with any obligations. It’s just a tradition.”

“What aren’t you saying?”

Gina shakes her head. “If I told you, it might freak you out.”

“Well, now I’m going to freak out wondering what you’re not telling me.”

She studies me for a moment. “It’s just, they don’t automatically invade whenever two people are dating or whatever.” Her shoulder hitches up in a half-shrug. “They’ve never actually done an invasion for a couple who didn’t end up together.”

The knots tighten. “Well, we’re not a couple. So they’ve got it wrong already.”

“Okay. Like I said, it’s no big deal. No one’s going to whip out a marriage license and make you sign it.” Gina pats my arm and smiles gently. “Try to enjoy the party.”

“Right. Sorry. Didn’t mean to overreact.”

“No worries; the Adamos can be pretty overwhelming. I’ll catch you later.” She moves off, and I try not to hyperventilate.

Just a tradition. No obligation.

So why do I feel like I’m defrauding the smiling people all around me?

Lando’s arm circles my waist and his lips graze my shoulder. “Hey.”

“Hey yourself.” I try to sound casual, like I’m not aware of his family’s possibly momentous intentions for us. “Quite a spread.”

“You okay?”

Damn. “Yeah, I’m fine. Why?”

He turns me to face him, eyes narrowed. “You’re all keyed up. Like you’re about to audition for The Voice or something.”

The man is far too perceptive. I search for a half-truth to divert him. “I couldn’t sleep last night.”

It works; his face softens. “You miss me?”

“Uh-huh.” I wrap my arms around his waist and lean in. “Do you have another stakeout tonight?”

“Nope.”

He doesn’t look happy. “Uh-oh. Last night’s didn’t go well?”

“Another dead end. Sometimes I feel like the bastard’s dancing circles around us.”

I hesitate. “Lando …” My voice trails off.

“What?”

“I may be way off base with this. But is it possible he’s got an informant?”

---