Page 28 of The Wrong Sister

“What should we watch?” she asks.

“What are you into?”

“It can depend on who I’m watching with,” she admits, fingers massaging my scalp. “Raff and I watch sci-fi and mysteries. Catherine and I are rewatchingPsych. When I’m alone I tend to read.”

“You’re not one of those that binge crime documentaries while folding laundry?”

“Not at all. I don’t know if you feel this way, but I get too much of that at work. If I’m watching tv for entertainment, I don’t want that.”

“Me either.”

“Do you watch shows alone?”

“I do,” I hedge.

“Why does that sound suspicious?”

“I don’t talk about it! That’s why I watch alone, to avoid being made fun of or having to explain myself.”

“Now Ihaveto know. What do you like that you feel like you have to hide from people? I hope, by now, you know I wouldn’t laugh at you.”

“You’ve proven that. Ok. When I’m by myself I like historical, period dramas, and romances.”

“Really?” She sounds excited, not amused.

“I do! Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and especially ones made by Masterpiece for PBS. They’re always character-driven, they’re often sexy, and time periods that are driven by rules and social mores appeal to me in a way that I know people would laugh about.”

“I like that about you, Griff.” I’m glad she’s behind me. She can’t see me blushing. “I also like those shows. What do you suggest we watch? Is there something you wouldn’t mind starting over, with me? Or maybe one you’ve been waiting to watch?”

“Have you seenPoldarkon Masterpiece?”

“Doesn’t sound familiar.”

“That’s the one then. As long as you’re good with a broody British hero and steamy romance. It gets really hot. We could also watchMiss Fisher’s Murder Mysteriesif you want more fun and banter with a feisty Australian heroine.”

“That’s a tough choice. Why don’t we watch an episode of the Australian one first, then maybe switch to the sexy one?”

She loves Phryne Fisher. I knew she’d identify with the badass heroine. We end up watching a second episode. Changing positions, with Mina stretching out against me, we watch the first episode ofPoldarkbefore hunger forces us to take a break.

“I’m starving! I’ve expended a lot of calories today, Griff, and that’s all on you.”

“I believe they were all on me.” I quirk an eyebrow at her and she laughs loudly.

“So cheesy. Mmm, cheese. Burgers sound good! Super cheesy burgers.”

“Why don’t I call in an order? I can walk over to pick them up.”

“Butcher & Bird? I love their Bacon Mushroom Swiss!”

“Perfect. You won’t go anywhere, will you?” I suddenly have this vision of coming back with dinner only to find Mina gone. Probably my subconscious giving me a nice, subtle reminder of what I deserve. She presses a warm, firm kiss to my lips.

“With that cock at my disposal?” I sigh with relief, kissing her back. More than once. It’s easy to lose track of everything else with her lips on mine. “You are going to order food though, ya? If you don’t feed me I’ll get hangry.”

“On it. I’ve got you. As soon as I find my phone.” I locate it in the pocket of the pants I abandoned the night before. It’s hard to believe that was only last night. It feels like we’ve packed weeks’ worth of sex and conversation in, but the trail of clothes across my apartment tells a different story. A mildly stressful story I’ve been purposefully ignoring.

Our burgers will be done in 15 minutes. I pull on clothes, kiss Mina again, because I can, and walk across the street to SALT. On my way, I sneak in a second order at Moku Kitchen. Fifteen minutes later I return home, laden with bags of delicious-smelling food. I awkwardly fumble at my doorknob and barely manage to get it open, pushing it with my foot to get inside. The door falls shut behind me and there’s Mina, stubby ponytail at her neck and shapely legs underneath the hem of my t-shirt, cleaning my apartment.

“What are you doing, Meens?” I deposit the bags on the coffee table.

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