Page 10 of Rules of Engagement

"Let's go," said Keira. "I'm parked around the corner."

"I'm right outside. I'll follow you."

I waited for Keira's car to emerge from the side, then followed Keira all the way back to Montgomery, both of us parking outside White's Wedding Planning just as the lights inside began to dim. I waited for Keira and we hurried over together. Keira pushed open the door and held it for me.

"Keira? What are you doing here? You're supposed to be on vacation," said Francesca. I moved out from behind Keira. "Lexi?" she asked.

"I think you two have some talking to do," I said. "And Keira has something she wants to show you. I think you'll like it a lot," I added.

"Francesca, I'm so sorry!" said Keira, hurrying over to her boss. "There was a huge misunderstanding! I can't believe you thought I would even want to leave. You must have thought I was planning to steal your business but I can explain everything."

I stepped back, eager to be out of the way of the big discussion that was about to take place. Once Keira cleared up the issues she inadvertently created and Francesca had a look at the plans Keira carried, I hoped Francesca would realize how much work Keira had gone to on behalf of her boss. I waved and made an I'll call you motion with my hand before slipping out. There was no need for me to hang around a minute longer.

My phone rang as I got into my car. "Hey," I cooed.

"Hi. All done for the day?" asked Solomon.

"Just finished. Wait until I tell you what happened after you left Francesca's earlier!"

"Something involving Chester and tracking someone down?"

"Lucas is such a blabbermouth!" I rolled my eyes. "I will tell you all about it when I get home."

"I'm on my way there now. Are you hungry yet?"

"Despite all that cake, yes."

"What are you in the mood for?"

"Pizza. Specifically, Monty's Slices pizza."

"I’m not anywhere near there but I can make a detour," offered Solomon.

"Let's meet at home and order delivery. I'm ready for wine, pajamas, a movie, and snuggles."

"I'm comfortable with most of those."

"What aren't you comfortable with?"

"Pajamas."

I could feel Solomon's smile through the phone line. "Never would have guessed," I said.

"First one there wins."

"You're close to home, aren't you?"

"About a block away."

"I knew it!" I laughed. "I'll see you very soon."

I drove home, singing along to the radio, happy that I'd helped Francesca and even happier that Solomon and I had a cozy evening planned. By the time I got there, Solomon was waiting by the front door with the pizza menu and a glass of chilled wine. I took the latter and didn't even need to consult the former to know exactly what I wanted.

Solomon phoned in the order and we took our plates and napkins into the living room. His tie had disappeared and he'd also undone the top couple of buttons on his shirt. I thought about licking the skin where his collarbone showed but decided I didn't want to miss out on the pizza. Instead, I grabbed the TV remote, dismissed the idea of changing into my new and very cute polar bear-printed pajamas, and we both flopped onto the couch. "Long day?" asked Solomon.

"Yes, but productive."

"What were you doing in Chester?"