Page 9 of Erase Me
“Sure, take anything you want.Just rip the tag off.”
“Went shopping last night?”
“They lost my luggage.I had to.”
“Sorry about the towel.I’ll take that.”
He handed it to me.“You can hang it behind the bathroom door.The food is here.”
I watched him go toward the kitchen.Taking a navy blue sweatshirt from the hanger, I examined the tag and the store where he had bought it.I inspected a couple more pieces of clothing.They were all purchased from the same place.Tearing off the price tag, I pulled the sweatshirt over my head.
Stepping back into the bathroom, I took one more look at my reflection and ran a hand through my wet hair.My eyes were clear.The stubborn set of my jaw had returned.I glanced at my phone.No response from Payam yet.
Reed was in the kitchen, arranging the food on a platter when I got there.
“You locked me out.”He motioned toward the door of the apartment.
“Habit.Not used to running around naked with the door open.”
His eyes darkened as he gave me the once-over.“Did you find what you were looking for?”
“No.I prefer pinks and purples and colors livelier than what you got in there.”
“That’s good to know.I’ll remember for the next time.”
“The next time you go shopping?”I gave him a look.“Airlines lose your luggage a lot?”
“Considering how often I travel, yes.More than I like.”
“Don’t they find your bags and deliver them to you?”
“Eventually.”He took two plates from a cabinet.The platter on the counter was heaped with sandwiches and fries.“Are you surprised that I can shop?I thought women love that in a man.”
“Don’t paint all of us with one brush.Why would you assume that?”
“First books.Now shopping.Okay, that’s two things, but I’m really not one to lump all women together.”
I crossed my arms over my chest.“Are we having our first fight?”
He smiled.“No way.I’m too hungry to fight.”
Reed picked up the plates and silverware and the platter of food and motioned with his head toward the coffee pot.
“Would you mind pouring a couple of mugs?I take mine black.”
“Can we eat outside?”
“Definitely.”
As he passed me, he stopped, leaned close, and brushed his lips against mine.“Did I tell you how much fun I had this morning?”
I pressed my forehead against his.“Technically, it may have been noon.And I had fun too.”
Because I didn’t want him to have the last word or the last gesture, I kissed him again, deeper, teasing him, until I sensed he was thinking about me more than about food.Then I pulled back and pushed him out of the kitchen.
“Two black coffees, coming right up.”
I listened to his footsteps padding across the floor.As the porch door slid open, I pulled out my cell phone.Still no return message.
