Adriano: Thanks, Rosie. Little Ricky was also able to take a couple, as well.
Suddenly, Laurie comes back into the kitchen. “I have another question. What annoys you?”
“Seeing you up on stage about to strip.”
Giving me a be-serious look, she says, “And?”
“Anything loud and incessant. I’m noise sensitive.”
She moves closer to me. “And you thought owning a club would be a good idea, because why?”
“I inherited the club when I took over from my father as the head of our family. My office is soundproof, though.”
“Oh.” Laurie stops close to me and searches my face. “What else?”
“The usual. Being ignored and taken for granted. People not listening. Repeating myself. Having to wait for anything. People in general.”
She lets out a snort. “That’s a lot. I think you should write down a list for me.”
“What comforts you when you’re scared or anxious?” I ask while shoving my phone back into my pocket.
“My love language is touch.” The corner of her mouth lifts. “It’s as if your mom knew. She kept touching me, and it really helped.”
“It’s one of her love languages as well. That and acts of service.”
I reach for her hand and link our fingers, brushing my thumb over her soft skin.
I can see Laurie likes me touching her as she asks, “What’s your love language?”
“I’m a problem solver and overly protective.” I pull her flush against me. “My job is brutal at times, so when I come home after a difficult day, don’t hide or be scared. I want you close to help me decompress and feel better.” I lift her hand and press her palm to my chest. “I want you around me all the time, giving me a lot of affection and attention.” I lean down. “So don’t ever hesitate to touch me.”
“Damn, you’re really smooth. You must’ve dated a lot to get this good at it.” I shake my head, which makes her frown. “You’re lying.”
“Why do you think I’m lying?”
“Because you’re so dang hot. Women must throw themselves at you, especially at the club.”
Grinning, I ask, “You think I’m hot?”
Laurie realizes what she said and quickly glances away. “You know you’re distractingly good-looking.”
“I want to know what you think.” When she turns further away, I take hold of her chin and force her to look at me again, chuckling when she blushes hard. I lower my voice. “Do you get shy a lot?”
“Oh hush.” She stares at my mouth so she doesn’t have to make eye contact.
“No, I haven’t dated a lot. Partly because most women annoy the fuck out of me and partly because I’ve been too busy.”
Her gaze finally lifts to mine, a smile tugging at her lips. She hesitates for a moment before she admits, “Had we met under normal circumstances, I would’ve fallen head over heels for you in the blink of an eye.”
Christ.
“All I’m hearing is, it’s only a matter of time. Maybe a hundred more blinks?”
Laughter bubbles over her lips. “Slow blinks.”
“I can work with that.”
I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket, and pulling it out, I see it’s a call from Georgi. “Let me just take this.”
