Page 101 of I Knead You Tonight

She gasps. “Winston!”

“You’re right. I take that back. Nothing tastes that good.”

Her face turns beet red, and I feel real damn proud for making her blush.

She trowels another bite of pie into her mouth, trying not to look so embarrassed that my comment makes her flush.

We throw our plates away and continue through the festival, stopping at all the booths set up along the main strip of downtown because Drewhasto talk to everyone.

“Why don’t you set up a booth for your photography? I bet you could make a killing here.”

“I don’t know. These kinds of events aren’t really my thing.”

She slides her eyes my way. “You mean you’re too afraid you’re going to put too many expectations on yourself and end up hating the hobby you love so much.”

I don’t say anything, but we both know she’s right.

“You know, for what it’s worth, there are plenty of people out there who took their passion and made a career from it and are doing just fine. I mean, hell, your twin sister did just that and she’s thriving. Her life has never been better. You could learn a lesson from her and take a chance once in a while.”

“It’s not that easy,” I say.

“It’s also not that complicated.”

“Says the most complex person I know.”

She shakes her head. “Whatever. Just keep living in that safe bubble of yours, not doing anything about your life because you’re too big of a pussy. You—”

“Well, well. Fancy seeing you two here together.”

Two familiar faces from Slice, an older married couple named Blythe and Randy, stroll up to us. They’ve been coming to the joint since the doors opened. They’re kind of like extended family at this point.

Randy bends down toward Riker. “Sorry, little dude. I didn’t see you there. I take back my two and add a plus one.”

Riker grins like he can understand him.

I stick my hand out to the older gentleman. “Randy, Blythe. Good to see you both.”

“What are you two over here arguing about?” Blythe inquires.

“Nothing, ma’am.”

“Oh bullshit,” Drew says. “I’m trying to convince Winston here to do something with the skill he was given and has spent years honing. He’s too afraid to take a damn chance on it.”

“Are you crazy, boy? Your pictures are brilliant!”

Her response surprises me, because I know for a fact I’ve never sat Blythe down and showed her my stuff.

“You’ve seen my work?”

She points to her head. “Your sister does my hair, son. What else do you think I stare at while she’s working her magic and taming this beast?”

“Sorry, Blythe.” I grin at her. “Sometimes I forget your natural hair color isn’t rainbow.”

She bounces her short curls. “I look damn good with this hair.”

“The most stunning woman here, present company included.”

“Hey!” Drew exclaims.

---