“You know perfectly well. It’s your smolder.”
“I’ve never smoldered in my life.”
“Ha. You do it all the time.”
“And you hate that, too.”
“No. That’s why you need to stop.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He glanced away. “I have an idea.”
“Saw that coming.” She ran her fingers through her hair. “I haven’t checked the time. What?—”
“Almost midnight.”
“Good. My parents will be asleep. Ready to go?”
“Right after I run this idea past you.”
She crossed her arms. “Okay.” Her body language said it all. She’d literally armed herself against him.
He’d tell her anyway, let the thought simmer in her brain… and her body. “I said I’d announce the book to the gang on Christmas Day, but there are advantages to spreading the word tomorrow. First we tell Mom and Andy like we planned. Then I send out a group text to everybody else.”
“That doesn’t sound like you. I’d expect that low-key approach from Lucky or Cheyenne.”
“I’d love to see their faces when they get the news, but I’ll gladly give up that moment for the chance to be alone with you again.”
“Huh?”
“It’s baked into the concept, but I didn’t see that before. You’re my editor. Before you give the manuscript to your boss, you have suggestions for strengthening the conflict.”
“Ah.” Her eyes darkened and she sucked in a breath, but her arms stayed crossed. “Brainstorming sessions.”
“Chaperoned brainstorming sessions. Perfectly legit. No one needs to know what goes on in those sessions but you, me, and Granny.”
“You’re the most devious man I’ve ever met.”
“Thank you.”
“You know in your heart it’s a terrible idea.”
“Not true. My heart likes it a lot. So does my?—”
“Never mind. My answer is no. I actually do have a couple of small suggestions, but I’ll put them in an email.”
“That’s ridiculous. I’m right here.”
“I’m aware of that. Very aware.”
“We’re looking at years and years of not having sex with each other. Please don’t throw away this golden opportunity. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner.”
“I do. You figured once I read the book we’d live happily ever after. You didn’t expect to be grasping at straws.”
“You’re much more fun to cuddle than a straw, Lani-lou.”
She let out a sigh. “This isn’t getting us anywhere. You’d better take me home.”
“Oh, it might get us somewhere. I’m sending the group text, regardless of your decision. You’ll have several days to think itover. If you change your mind, and I’m gonna bet you do, you know where to find me.”
