Page 79 of Show Off

“I love rubbing off on you.” I’m not sure if I mean it as a dirty joke or that I’m liking this version of Lana. The one slipping into my habit of blurting the truth. Speaking her mind, no matter what. “Have I mentioned I love you?”

“You have,” she shouts through the bathroom door. “But I’m going to wait ‘til I’m done peeing to say it back.”

I’m chuckling as I carry the tray to the kitchen and start rinsing off dishes. Seconds later, warm, bare arms wrap around me from behind as her hair tickles my elbow. “I love you, Dal.” She squeezes tight. “I can wash those later. Let’s walk.”

“You’re not washing the dishes.” I shut off the water anyway because she’s right. It’s a beautiful day and Mouse stands wagging by the door, ready for the promised walk. Clipping her leash in place, I open the door. “Where to?”

“Let’s walk around the pond.” Her gaze drops to the front of her shirt and she laughs. “Maybe I can stop by my place for a bra first?”

“No can do.” I force myself to hold a serious look. “I need to see your nipples at all times.”

She laughs and smacks me in the chest. “Nice try.”

We set out walking toward the water, veering west because I’m not a total asshole. We’ll grab her bra.

But before we make it to Lana’s, we spot Gabe and Gretchen up ahead. They’re pushing a stroller, Lana’s brother pausing to put a hand on his wife’s low back as he whispers something in her ear.

“Hey, guys.” Lana skips ahead to peer in the stroller. “Look at you, little cutie pie. How’s Taylor Tiger this morning?”

Gabe looks at Lana, assessing. Then his gaze shifts to mine. No words are exchanged, but he surveys his sister, then nods once. “Congrats, Lana Banana,” he says gruffly. “It’s about damn time.”

“Gabe!” Gretchen elbows him in the ribs. “Don’t be a pig.”

“What?” He’s feigning ignorance, but Gabe’s grin gives it away. The man looks at his wife like he remembers how things are at the start of a romance. Like he’s not so far removed from this bliss-soaked buzz. “Just pointing out that it looks like my sister hasn’t been home.”

“Which is Lana’s prerogative and none of our business.” Gretchen’s not backing down on this one. With a hand on her belly, she steps close to her sister-in-law. “Might want to get some concealer on that love-bite if you’re doing any on-camera stuff today.”

I expect her to blush, but Lana just smiles. “Thanks for the tip.” She turns back to me and I fucking love how unfazed she is. “Can we hustle along to my place?”

God, she’s something. “Let’s go.”

With Mouse leading the way, we make a quick pit stop so Lana can grab her bra and change shirts, because apparently we got whipped cream on her other one. I admire the view as she emerges onto her front porch. “I was kinda hoping the braless thing would stick.”

“Maybe later.” We set out walking again, not holding hands or anything. But our fingers brush every now and then as we stroll the wide pathway at the edge of the water. For this early in the day, there’s a surprising number of families on the shore. Two dads with a toddler smile at each other, giving me the strangest urge to ask Lana if she wants kids someday.

But before I can blurt it, we spot another one of Lana’s brothers. Dean’s jogging with his wife, Vanessa, but he slows his pace. There’s a protective furrow in his brow as we approach.

“You’re out early.” He stops running as Vanessa skids to a stop beside him.

“Oh, hey!” Vanessa gives Lana a hug, then looks at me with a smile. “I didn’t know you two were hanging out.” Those last two words drip with meaning, and there’s a question in her eyes.

Dean frowns. “Wait.Hanging outhanging out, or just…hanging out?”

I glance at Lana, not sure how much she wants her family to know. “We’re just—” I begin, but Lana cuts me off.

“Well, Dean.” She plants both hands on her hips. “We’ve only been sexually active for about twelve hours, but considering we did it three times last night, I’d call thathanging out. Would you?”

Vanessa bursts out laughing, holding a palm up for Lana to slap. “God, I love you, girl. We still on for book club?”

“You know it.” Lana’s completely unruffled. “My place at ten on Tuesday. I’m doing sort of a brunch theme.”

“Can I bring anything?” Vanessa’s all lighthearted cheer, but Dean’s still giving me a guarded look.

When I meet his eye, he stops frowning. “Be good to her.” He growls it so low that I’m not sure the women hear.

I nod so he knows I get it. That I’ll never let anything hurt her.

Lana and Vanessa wrap up their chat about the book club menu. With one more hug, we’re off again, walking the path as Dean and Vanessa resume jogging.

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