Page 75 of Mr. Aster
“Our firstfake datewith Jim and Avery,” he said. “That was the first night I’d not felt so heavy and burdened in a long time. It was like taking an anti-anxiety pill or something, and all my nerves, overthinking, and everything else was muted to where it didn’t control me. I haven’t been willing to let go of those feelings since.”
“Well, since you do not want to let those feelings subside, it’s time for your final taste challenge to become fully initiated into the marvelous world of Mexico, Darcy style.”
“God, corn fungus. But why? Why would they think this is something a person should eat?”
“Probably for the same reason we eat mushrooms. Now, quit bitching, and eat it. Our snorkeling adventure awaits, and you’re not going to go play in the ocean until you’ve eaten all that grub,” I chuckled. “And if it helps, the corn fungus is high in nutrients.”
“It helps,” he said before digging in.
“Five chews,” I reminded him again, watching him wrinkle his nose in disgust as he chewed on the tiny bite he’d just taken. “You’re only disgusted by it because I told you what it was.”
“Wasn’t that the point, though?” he questioned, downing the last of his drink. “To ensure I went through your whole Miss Mexico initiation process correctly?”
“Absolutely, and I wouldn’t dare feed you something without making you aware of what it was.”
“Ordinarily, I would demand to know what I was eating in a foreign country, but this time, I believe I would’ve done better had I not known.”
“Oh, you would’ve loved all of it. The flavors alone are what makes it addicting. So damn delicious.”
“No shit. I think I know why your parents moved Antonio and his family into their home,” he chuckled.
“And Antonio is ten times a better cook than all of Mexico’s street chefs combined,” I said. “I’m not lying when I say that.”
“And while we’re on the topic of not lying, when do you plan to return to Spencer and Nat and resume the lie about our relationship?”
“You’re already bored?” I questioned, instantly saddened at the thought of returning to the resort.
“You seem bummed about going back,” he said, cocking his head to the side to study me.
“I am. I’m having a blast, aren’t you?”
“Eating grasshoppers, larvae, and fungus? Absolutely,” he chuckled.
“Well, you did have other delicious street food, too,” I said. “You loved the elote, remember? The street corn,” I said.
“Yes, I did,” I said, nodding in agreement. “You know, I find it amusing that you seemed to liven up once we got out here and away from a resort where most people would die to spend their vacation.”
“Well, I’m not like most people. Big, fancy resorts don’t impress me.”
“And what does impress you?”
“Beer, grasshoppers, and watching you eat them,” I said, making the conversation light again because I watched a new expression form on his face, and it made my stomach tighten in a nervous spasm in response.
He looked impossibly handsome while his dark brown eyes searched mine for something more. His lips were slightly parted, lending a perfect expression for a man who seemed overly intrigued by me for some strange reason.
“You look like you’re about to kiss me,” I said, trying to diffuse this look because of what it was doing to me.
“What if I am?” he said, his sincere expression not faltering.
I stood up. “Then you and I will have bigger problems than the ones we’ve already created with our lying and scheming. Come on, I think it’s time you and I sober up in the ocean.” I smiled, “No kissing and no deep thoughts, or you’ll be taking the rest of that platter back to the hotel for leftovers.”
He smiled and stood to walk over to me, “You are an extremely beautiful woman, inside and out. I hope you know that.”
“A truth I’ve been at peace with all my life,” I teased.
He tugged his bottom lip between his teeth, then smiled, “If only you and I weren’t from two separate worlds.”
“But we are, so we need to get going.”
