That’s more like it.
I brace my hands on either side of her hips, and face-to-face, I ask, “If we had met under normal circumstances, would you have liked me?”
“Huh.” She blinks as she comes out of the daze.
When I repeat the question, she pushes against my chest for me to step back before she jumps off the island. “It’s my turn for a question. Do you always cheat?”
“Is that your question?”
“No. I already know the answer.” She crosses her arms over her chest while looking me up and down as if she’s inspecting me, then lifts her chin and asks, “What’s your biggest fear?”
“I only have two. Losing my family and being too late to protect them.” Wanting to share more with her, I say, “A few months ago, I almost lost one of my best friends. He was taken and tortured, and when we found him, he was hanging from a balcony on the second floor, about to fall to his death.”
I leave out the part that he was holding little Simi. Seeing a four-year-old in such danger even scared me.
Laurie pales as her lips part. “Jesus.”
“That day was the fastest I’ve ever run. We managed to pull him to safety in time, but for one terrifying moment, I thought I was going to lose him.”
“Is he okay?” she asks, genuine concern on her face.
“Georgi is more than okay, for which I’m fucking grateful.”
She exhales a relieved breath. “Oh, that’s good to hear.”
Seeing how big Laurie’s heart is, that she can show concern for one of my friends, I fall deeper in love with her.
“Now answer my question. If we had met under normal circumstances, would you have liked me?”
A stunning smile splits over her face, all self-conscious and shy with a little flirt thrown into the mix. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“Hmm… look who’s cheating now.”
As her cheeks begin to turn pink, she grabs the mug and carries it to the sink. “Maybe, maybe not.”
Watching her walk back to me, I grin. “That is not an answer.”
She stops and takes hold of my shoulder before lifting onto her tiptoes, then whispers near my ear, “Yes.” Darting away, she hurries out of the kitchen, and I let her go.
For now.
Picking up my phone, I look at the screen, then let out a heavy sigh when I see all the messages and missed calls.
I open the chat I share with Remo.
Adriano: I’m going to get you back.
Remo: Do your best.
Remo: Enjoy all the attention.
Going into the app, I message Rosie.
Adriano: Put Remo’s name in an ad, saying he’s looking for a big boy to help around the house.
Rosie: LMAO! I’m dead. Almost choked on my chocolate. Consider it done.
Rosie: BTW. Congrats. You make a beautiful couple, and I wish only love and happiness for you.I’ll send over the photos I was able to enhance so you have some of your wedding day. They’re all black and white though.
