Page 40 of Perfect Scandal
He chuckles. “Because I brought takeout?”
“I do love Chinese, but mostly it’s you.” Being around him always settles me. Almost like it’s easier to breathe, and the weight on my shoulders is more bearable, too.
“Damn glad to hear that. I wasn’t sure if showing up unannounced was too much.” He shrugs, and that sexy grin gives away a hint of uncertainty. “But I took the chance anyway.”
Could he be any sweeter?
“Well, you succeeded.” I steal another kiss and wave him in. “Welcome to my humble abode. It’s nothing like the Magnolia Blue, because, unlike my brothers, I’m in student debt up to my eyeballs.”
“Could be a cardboard box for all I care, babe.” He winks, and butterflies whirl in my stomach. I said something similar about his place. I love that we’ve established this level of comfort.
“Not to sound rude, but I’m starving. I tried to feed myself gummy bears for dinner, and they did not suffice. Mind if we dig in?” I press a hand to my stomach as it growls.
“I snuck an egg roll on the way over to keep that beast at bay, so I’m down.”
Grinning like a teenager with a schoolgirl crush, I go to the kitchen for plates and forks. “Want something to drink? I have water, wine, and iced tea.”
“Tea’s good.” He sets the bag on my small, two-seater table and returns to the front hall to take off his boots and hat. “I wasn’t sure if I’d catch you at home,” he calls out. “Thought you might’ve had a hot date or something.”
“As if.” I scoff. “Actually, itismy college crew’s biweekly Friday night out, but I wasn’t in the mood.”
“No?” He asks when he returns. “You said you had a bad day. Why’s that?”
Ugh. “Let’s talk about that later. I’d much rather think about how good you look in my space.” From the tousled hair to the white socks on his feet, he looks like he’s been here a hundred times, all comfy and at home.
That crooked grin reappears. “Yeah?”
“Mm-hmm. Then again, you look good anywhere.” I wrinkle my nose.
He rolls his eyes, but he can’t hide that grin.
“Anyway, did you come all the way from Montana just to have dinner with me?”
“Of course.”
“Aw.” I don’t believe him for a second; he rarely leaves the ranch. Ten bucks says he has our annulment papers, but I’m in no rush forthatdiscussion either. “I just turned on Netflix, so let’s eat in the living room.”
He quirks a brow. “I brought you food, and you’re gonna make me suffer through a cheesy chick flick?”
“Serial killer documentary.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Nope. True crime is where it’s at. I really should’ve been a detective.”
“Or you’re planning my untimely death.”
“Nah. You brought me dinner, after all.” I wink and tip my head toward the living room.
We set up a buffet of takeout on the coffee table and fill our plates with chicken and broccoli, lo mein, and crab rangoons. The contentment inside me now that I’m in Dean’s orbit really does make my craptacular day seem like a distant memory.
“Damn, this is good.” Dean gathers another forkful of broccoli. “Can’t get Chinese or Thai in Mason Creek or Rebel River, so I grab it whenever I’m in the city.”
“Really? You seem like such a steak and potatoes kind of guy. Me, on the other hand, I could live on lo mein and rangoons.” I pop a gooey bite of cream cheese and wonton into my mouth and moan.
“Hey, now. I don’t appreciate that stereotype. I may look like a caveman, but I’d like to think I have a little culture in me.”
I almost choke. “You do not look like a caveman! And I’m sorry, it’s just…” He’s so rugged. And sexy. Andgah. “Let’s just say I find your masculinity very attractive.”
