A cat that needed a full minute to lower itself to the ground and roll onto its side while it made the snuffling noise again.
He shoveled a scoop of ice cream into his mouth, because if he didn’t, he was afraid he’d ask what was wrong with the thing.
And he had a feeling Kaci wouldn’t much appreciate that.
She pulled out a can of cat food and a can opener. “My momma wanted me to major in English,” she said to the can. “Thought my prospects would be better that way. She’s a strong believer in the power of making a good home to make a good life.”
He shoveled another spoonful of meltedice cream into his mouth to keep from insulting her momma.
Not that there was anything wrong with a woman wanting to be a homemaker—that was half of what he’d found attractive in Allison, if he were being honest with himself—but Kaci didn’t fit the homemaker mold.
“And you’re right,” she said. “Not many people switch from English to physics. Weren’t many who thought I could do it. But if you’re fixin’ to?—”
“It’s impressive,” he said before she could get back on the warpath.
She slid him a suspicious eyeball.
He didn’t blink.
Had a feeling blinking would be a bad thing.
The cat snuffled again. Kaci set its food bowl on the floor, right next to its head.
“I have to go to Germany.” Her words held a ferocity that Lance recognized too well. “If I let being afraid of flying stop me from going to Germany, I’m missing a chance to show young girls everywhere that they’re smart enough to study science, technology, engineering, and math too. What good does it do me to be a good physicist if I can’t help pave the way for more women like me who are being told girls aren’t smart enough for math and science?”
“So let’s get you on that plane.”
She bit down on her lower lip.
“Come over tomorrow.” On second thought, Juice Box would probably be at home tomorrow. “Or I can bring the game over here. You can play it anytime you want.”
“Why are you being so nice to me?”
“I’m a nice guy.”
Her eyes narrowed, and he swallowed a chuckle.
She stalked to the counter between them. “Why did you quit kissing me that night wemet?”
This was getting too personal. “Why did you let me kiss you in the first place?”
“I found out I had to get on a plane to Germany, then my ex-husband came sniffing around, and I was out of tequila at home. I needed a distraction. Your turn. Why did you really quit kissing me?”
He swallowed. “I didn’t know your name.”
Any other woman might’ve given him credit for his gallant chivalry.
Not Kaci.
“Then why did you start kissing me?” she said.
“I can’t tell you that.”
“Why?”
“Because if I do, it’ll change the way you’re looking at me, and honestly, I’d much rather have you sassing me and being a bulldog. You’re a sexy bulldog.”
“That’s the most insulting compliment I’veever gotten.”
