Page 31 of Breathless

“This is all about chemistry, Finn.” Thoreau buffed his nails on his shirt. “And chemistry is my marmalade.”

“Your what?”

“Everybody says jam. I was being original.”

Wyatt couldn’t let that level of lame go unchallenged. “You’re being sphincter. You thought I was going to say weird, right?”

Thoreau gave him a look. “I see your point.”

“Everybody says weird,” Wyatt continued innocently. “I was being original. Like you.”

Thoreau started out of the room. “Order the food and finish your beer, Finn. I’m going to shower.”

Laughing, Wyatt said, “Don’t take too long or I might need another one.”

“Don’t even think about it.”

Wyatt picked up his phone and dialed. What was he getting himself into?

An hour later, he was lounging on the living room floor, his back against the couch, thinking maybe this wasn’t so bad after all. The soft music Thoreau put on was a little disturbing at first—Fiona always had the TV on, probably to drown out their pissing contests—but thanks to the beer, it was growing on him. It reminded him of Fiona, so Thor obviously knew what he was doing.

The spread on the coffee table smelled pretty good too. It had arrived about ten minutes ago and his stomach was already growling. He could eat this, he thought. He didn’t have to be all cheeseburgers and tacos all the time.

The front door closed and Fiona called out, “Honey, I’m home.”

Her keys jingled as she hung them from the one of the hooks Thor had put up by the door. With three vehicles parked in one driveway, they had to keep all their keys accessible in case someone needed to move one of them. They’d been adapting to the roommate situation pretty well, all things considered.

And now you’re adapting again.

“Welcome home, dear, how was work?” Thor replied from the kitchen.

“Fine, darling. Where’s Wyatt?”

“He’s waiting with dinner in the living room, baby. Let me get you something to drink and I’ll meet you there.”

“Thanks, sweet cheeks. Make it a pineapple juice?”

Wyatt couldn’t hold back a snort of amusement. Sweet cheeks. Fiona had definitely won the battle of endearments.

“Pineapple juice? Are you sure?” Thor asked. “We’re trying out a new beer tonight.”

“Oh, damn. Can I take a raincheck?”

“One glass of juice, coming right up. Now go let Wyatt see you, before he starts grumbling again.”

Wyatt’s heart gave a hard bump. Here we go.

Fiona appeared in the doorway, still managing to look fresh and gorgeous after her shift at the pub. How did she do that? “Welcome back, beautiful. We’re having a party.”

Her lips parted in surprise. “A party, huh? What’s this?”

Wyatt glanced down at the coffee table covered with small plates of food. “I’m learning new things today. This is called tapas.” Not tacos. Good job. “It’s basically a bunch of appetizers for people who aren’t really hungry,” he added, still feeling a little out of his league. “And perfect for taste-testing beers. Thor said these are your favorites.”

“I might have run to the store and gotten some ice cream and those cracked pepper chips you like.”

He threw both arms up in victory. “Yes! Chips for the win. Thank you..”

Thoreau joined them, carrying her juice and a large bag of chips. “I figured you’d want this right away,” he told Wyatt with a smirk, tossing them lightly in his direction.

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