Paige squealed, and we made plans for her to visit later that week.
I couldn’t wait.
Mal was less excited when I told him after he surfaced for dinner. That I’d cooked again.
“I don’t know, baby. It’s kind of a hectic time. Everything’s so up in the air and just…”
“I get that things are”—I didn’t know how to describe it since he wasn’t letting me in, so I finished vaguely—“whatever for you, but I’m alone for fourteen, fifteen hours of the day. I don’t know anyone here but your mom and your assistant. Judy’s busy with her life, and I don’t think it’s news to you that I’m never going to hang out with Naomi. I’m lonely, Mal.”
“I wasn’t aware you had a problem with Naomi. Has she been rude to you?”
I mean, if you called haughty silences and subtle snubs a problem, then sure. But instead of saying as much, I went for the indirect approach. “She’s not being outright rude, but I could never trust her like I do my friends. Well, just one friend actually. The rest are more like friendly acquaintances. You know what I mean. Paige is my ride or die. We’ve been friends for ages. She’s my person. Or she was my person before you.”
A muscle flexed in his jaw, and I realized what I’d just said.
Mal had just lost his best friend, and my dumb ass thought a week after his funeral was the best time to swan my bff over.
“It’s fine. Paige doesn’t have to come. We can just talk on the phone and—”
“No, no, you’re right. I didn’t think about how these past few weeks had been for you. It’s fine. She can come. We got more than enough bedrooms here.”
“Okay. Um, thanks. Just one thing…”
Mal raised one eyebrow, and I lost my train of thought.
That was so hot. He looked all broody and mildly angry. He set his plate down on the coffee table and his forearms flexed.
I really hadn’t spent enough time worshipping his arms. They were so strong and muscular. And the tattoos on them… I loved the little glimpses I got of them. Like now.
He rested his large hands on his knees, and the tendons on his forearms stood up.
Sigh.
“Saylor? What’s the one thing?”
“Huh?” I blinked and had to look away from his sexy arms. His dark blue eyes twinkled at me like he knew exactly what had derailed my train of thought.
“You said there was one thing about Paige coming to visit?”
“Did I?” I tipped my head and placed my plate on the table next to his. “Huh. I don’t remember what it was. It’s like all thought just went—” I flicked my fingers in the air. “Poof.”
“Hmmm,” Mal hummed as he tilted his head. “Wonder what made you lose your train of thought.” His dimple flashed in his cheek.
I grinned back at him just before I pounced.
And like most nights, we ended up christening a new spot in the house before retiring to the bedroom to play some more.
Chapter 22
Mal
Leif called a band meeting.
I was pretty sure I knew what he was planning to tell us.
The timing was shit. I’d wanted to be home to meet Saylor’s best friend who was flying in from Las Vegas this afternoon.
But Saylor had waved me off with a tremulous smile and a, “No, it’s fine.”
