Page 22 of Snapshot

“You’re full of energy,” Alan says with a worried-looking smile. You’d think I just suggested we snort a line and go base jumping.

“I’d love to be full ofsomething,” I say, winking.

His face falls in confusion. “Oh, right. You mentioned a snack. Are you hungry?”

The poor man is clueless about dirty talk.

“Sorry, bad joke. Never mind. But if you’re hungry, I have a new bag of Funyuns in the pantry. And Grace left me a couple of Cokes in the fridge.”

Alan sits up, causing me to slide off his chest. I wiggle upward to cuddle against his side again. “Not the most nutritious dinner choice. Is that all you have?”

I nod wordlessly.

“How about I bring some groceries by tomorrow morning? Sprouts is on my way back here. I’ll pick up a fruit tray.” I flash him a tepid smile at best. He winks and adds, “And the cream cheese fruit dip you like.”

“My hero.” I strain to press my lips against his. He pecks me, but I linger. So he awkwardly pecks me again, then pulls away.

He clears his throat. “You love that dip so much. I should keep it at my place, too. Maybe it’ll get you to eat a little more fruit.”

“And veggies,” I say. “I dip baby carrots into that stuff, too.”

“Gross,” he teases.

We used to stay at Alan’s house predominantly. It’s much bigger. My apartment is similar to the cardboard boxes you find puppies in at yard sales. Just enough room to wiggle your ass and spin around. But we crash here because Alan’s roommate recently got a girlfriend, and they’reloudwhen they have sex. My boyfriend considers them lewd. Me? I’m a little jealous.

Through the paper-thin walls, I’ve heard them fuck, and I’ve also heard them make love. They seem to connect on every single level. The way I wish I was connecting with Alan.

I let my fingers tiptoe down his chest but before I can reach beneath the covers, he grabs my hand. “Len—I mean, Muffin, aren’t you exhausted? We were at it for almost half an hour.” He pulls my hand up to his lips and kisses my palm. “Anyway, I have to get home and take a shower. It’s end-of-month inventory. I need to be at work a little early so I’m done in time for my shift.”

“Such an overachiever,” I mutter, crossing my legs, trying to ignore the familiar ache that won’t be relieved.

“Actually, my boss thinks so too,” Alan says, with an odd look on his face. “He offered me a raise.”

“That’s great. Good for you,” I say, patting his hand. I’m trying to be enthusiastic, but I’m distracted by the itch that most definitely wasn’t scratched. And as soon as Alan leaves, I can finish the job in private with my vibrator. “You deserve it more than anybody.”

“The raise comes with a promotion to general night manager.”

That gets my full attention. I shoot up in bed, the covers falling down, exposing my breasts. “Alan.That’s amazing. You’ve been waiting for this for so long. I’m so happy for you.” I wrap my arm around his broad chest and rub his shoulder in an awkward hug with my breasts smashed against his side.

“Thank you. And hey, there’s a front desk concierge position open during the day shift. I could put in a good word for you at my company.”

“Eh… Won’t that be a problem, seeing as you’re about to be the manager and we’re dating?”

“No, not if you’re on day shift. I wouldn’t be your direct manager. Camden Hotels has really good benefits, and they do career mapping. If you wanted to switch over to corporate eventually, they’d help. There’s a lot you can do in corporate—finance, marketing, accounting. They even offer tuition assistance if you want to go to school.”

Grimacing, I run my hands through my hair, catching the few loose strands that break free. They’re dark. My natural shade, but against the colorful glow of the TV screen, they almost look purple again. I really miss my purple hair. On our first date, Alan mentioned that flamboyant hair colors were fun but a little childish. Looking back, I’m not sure if he was merely commenting or if it was a not-so-subtle hint about my blue streaks at the time. Regardless, my hair has remained its natural jet-black for a year now since we officially became boyfriend and girlfriend.

“Thank you for thinking of me. But I need a break from customer service for a while. I’m seeing Avery tomorrow. I bet she has some ideas. Don’t worry about me.”

“Okay, just let me know if I can help.” After kissing the top of my head, he crawls out of bed. He covers his bare ass when he stands in a show of modesty. Once his boxers are pulled on, he turns around and smiles at me. “You look very pretty.”

“Thank you, babe.”

His smile goes from wide to small, and then his face turns anguished as he switches on the bedside lamp. “Since we’re being honest about things…”

“Yeah?” I ask.

“I’m happy to call you whatever you like, um…Dumpling.”

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