Page 119 of Firecracker

“Just a little. But Imani was really nice, and we like the same kinds of books, and I want to make new friends, so I want to go.”

“Want me to drive you there? And I can pick you up after. Just call me.”

She worried her poor pretty bottom lip again. “Would you do that?”

“Of course.” He slid a hand around the back of her neck—thankfully a clean hand now—and kissed her forehead. “I’m sure it’ll be fun. What book are you reading?”

“It’s calledLove Shopby Meg Masters. I really enjoyed it.”

“See, you’ve read the book, it’ll be fine. And I bet they drink wine.”

She laughed. “Yes, Imani promised me there’d be wine.”

“What time?”

“It starts at seven.” She showed him the address on her phone.

“That’s not far from here. Just knock when you’re ready to go. I’m going to go shower.”

“Okay.” She grabbed his arm as he moved away and he looked into her eyes. “Thank you.”

* * *

“I got another job!”

Tyler looked up from his phone, a smile breaking out on his face. “No shit?”

“No shit!” Arden bounded across his apartment to stand in front of him, holding her own phone. “Just now! One of the men at Jamie’s meeting loved the food, and he wants me to cater a meeting for his business!”

“That’s fantastic, babe.” He set down his phone and stood, wrapping her in a hug big enough to lift her off her feet. This was fantastic news.

She laughed breathlessly. “I can’t believe it!”

“I’m not surprised.” He smooched her mouth. “You’re amazing.”

“No, I’m not.” But she grinned.

“Okay, let’s make a plan. Sit down.”

She blinked as he released her. “Um, what?”

He reached for his laptop sitting on the kitchen counter. “We’ll make a plan. The menu. The shopping list. I’ll take you shopping to get what you need. When is this? Jeez, I hope it’s not a day I work again.”

She covered his hands with hers, stopping him from typing on the keyboard. “Whoa.”

“What?” He looked up at her. “You know, we should really sit down and do a whole business plan for you.”

“Wait. This ismyjob.”

His eyebrows pulled down. “I know.”

She slowly moved her head from side to side. “You don’t have to jump in and do everything for me. I can handle it.”

“I know you can.”

“Okay, then.”

“But—”

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