Page 36 of Teach Me How

I hazard a backward glance. He’s fully dressed. Half-way dressed, technically. That broad chest is still on full display, but it’s a step in the right direction. I gather up his wet clothes and carry them to the linen closet. Turning the dial on the drier, I find myself remembering that Halloween. Jonah and I argued over that costume. He said I was exposing too much of my belly. I ended up feeling fat and choosing to stay home. Not a pleasant memory. I turn back, getting an eyeful of Skyler in those same pants. It’s kind of nice to have something beautiful to overwrite a bad memory with.

I return to the kitchen, taking in his expectant face. He still wants a response, but I don’t want to share the entire story. “I didn’t go out that year.”

“You got to work on your stories, Olson. That ending was a bummer.”

“You don’t know the half of it.”

He sits on the stool. “What glorious thing are you cooking?”

“Beef stew.”

He shakes his head with a little smile, inordinately impressed by my cooking abilities. “You’re going to make some man very happy one day.”

Why does he sound a little sad when he says that?

“Did you miss the memo about my freedom quest? I’m not trying to get married.”

“I saidone day.”

“Fair enough.” I lean on the counter across from him, turning halfway when the teakettle starts whistling. “You want some tea?”

He grins. “Got anything stronger?”

24.

Skyler

Reese pours me a glass of Jack. I usually go for Crowne. Or Knob Creek. I’m a bourbon man through and through.

But on this night, with the rain starting up again outside and all the comforting scents of Reese’s apartment swirling around me, Jack is tasting pretty damn good.

Corn mash.

Smoke.

It might be my new favorite drink.

Seeing her come down the sidewalk was the highlight of my day. Prim little business suit contrasting sharply with her cross trainers. I like that she chose practicality over style. That’s the kind of down-to-earth ease I’m looking for in a woman.

A woman Reese is going to help me find.

I feel a little guilty, sitting in my best friend’s sweats while I gather the words to frame what I need to say. “I’ve had time to think about your proposal.”

Her cheeks color slightly, but her gaze is steady and direct. “And?”

“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”

She grins. “Hell, no.”

“Reese.” My voice comes out in a growl.

Her smile only widens. Turning, she prepares some tea, leaning on the counter while she talks. “The only thing I know for sure is that something’s got to give. I’m suffocating out here.”

“I can relate.”

She gives me a sharp look. “So, youdowant help?”

I groan, setting my glasses on the counter. Scrubbing a hand over my face and through my damp hair. I shake it, casting little droplets of water on my shoulders.

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