Page 63 of Beau & Autumn

We could play doubles on your plinky plonk

I eye her. “Plinky plonk?” I leave out the part about people believing we’re really in love. It creates a pain in my chest that won’t go away.

“Your gaming machine.”

I laugh. “Is that what it’s called?”

She rolls her eyes as I reach for a slice of my pizza that’s already cooled and take a big bite. “Well, that would be me being a supportive wife.” She sounds like she’s trying to convince herself. “And I could learn to do some of the things you like.”

I almost choke on my food. Jesus. Every time she says that word… Wife.

“You know most wives probably aren’t too intent on learning how to game, so it’s fine, you really don’t?—”

She squares her shoulders. “I want to.”

“Okay then.” I level her with my gaze. “Does that mean I have to learn something you like, and be a supportive husband?” I try not to draw out the last word, but fuck me if I can’t help it.

She taps her chin. “I don’t know if I can see you knitting.”

I grin. “Knitting?”

“Isn’t that what old ladies do?”

I scoff. “Old?”

“I’m thirty-three, Beau, practically an old maid.”

“Fletch thinks it’s hot that you're older than me.”

Her eyebrows raise. “You told Fletch?”

Oops.

“Uh, no. Your name came up when we were talkin’ about blind dates.”

“Did it now?”

The small smilethat tugs at her lips tells me she doesn't exactly believe me. “I didn’t say anything about this, though. Let’s face it, Carrie is gonna put two and two together. She’s not dumb.”

“So we should tell her?”

“I mean, I don’t want anyone knowing what’s really going on, but how healthy is it if neither of us have anyone to talk to about it?”

She levels me with her gaze this time. “Do you need to vent about me already?”

“Not at the moment I don’t, but we’re not married yet.” I duck when she lobs a balled up napkin at my head. “I’m kidding!”

“Wise-guy.”

“Eat your food.” I nod to her pizza.

“Bossy.”

“I hate to see a good pizza go to waste.”

“Would you like some more?”

I shovel the last piece into my mouth. “I can get it.”

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