Page 29 of Show Off

Right. I forgot I included that when I signed on. It’s a sticking point left over from those interviews after the accident. “I’d like to taste the preliminary contenders without cameras present.”

Lana cocks her head. “May I ask why?”

“Because I don’t want chefs changing recipes or stepping up their game just because we’re filming.” I’ve thought through this a lot. “I want to start from the unvarnished experience.”

“That’s fair.” She jots something on her notepad. “And you’d return to the ones you like best?”

“The film crew could show up then.”

“All right.” Her pen moves quickly over the notepad. “What else?”

“If I don’t like a chowder, I’ll say so. If I don’t like the direction of a storyline, I’ll say that, too. As long as we’re truthful and transparent, I’m on board. That’s the deal, take it or leave it.”

Lana lifts a brow. “Think you could sound less threatening when you’re out there tasting chowder?”

“Fine.” An urge to smile catches me off guard. “And I can try to keep cursing to a minimum.”

“Deal.” She sticks out her hand and I shake it. “It’s refreshing to work with someone who knows so clearly what he wants.”

“I do.” I hold her eyes and pray she can’t read my mind.

Because what I want more than anything is to kiss Lana again.

Like she’s hearing my thoughts, she lets go of my hand. “Then it’s settled. We’re organizing The Great Dal Yang Chowder Tour.”

The groan slips out before I can stop it. “Can we please come up with another name?”

“Oooh, good idea!” She grabs her cute pink notepad. “Let’s brainstorm. There are no bad suggestions.” Her sparkly pink pen taps the pad. “How about Chowderthon?”

“That sounds like a really gross foot race.”

She makes a face and I amend my statement. “Not ruling it out.”

“No, I don’t love it either.” She gives it more thought. “Chowder Champs?”

“Too cute.”

“All right, smart guy—what’s your idea?”

I consider it. “Can we keep it plain? Chowderhounds or something?”

“Maybe.” Lana cocks her head. “We could intersperse footage of you with Mouse. Really play up the dog theme.”

“Sure.” I can tell she’s not sold on that one. “I guess if you want it to sound hip, you could do something like Slingin’ Chowder.”

Lana lifts one brow. “You’re aware that ‘man chowder’ is slang for semen and ‘chowder slinger’ is slang for penis?”

“I was not.” Jesus. “Thanks for that visual.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Is this in your job description?”

She tilts her head again. “What’s that?”

“Identifying anything that could potentially sound filthy before it makes it on the air.”

Her laugh rockets right through my core. “Funny you should ask.” She leans back in her chair. “When we launched the Juniper Ridge website, our consultant came to us with a list of words to block users from picking as public-facing usernames. Basic stuff like ‘fuck’ and ‘bitch’ and ‘cum dumpster’ and ‘creampie.’”

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