Page 34 of A Matter of Time

But I wasn’t trying to be a jerk. I was just surprised. “You’ll let me help?”

“Yeah.”

I felt a weight suddenly slide off me. There was something about spending time with the man that lightened me. It made no sense, but it was true nonetheless. “Okay, then. What do you want to take over there?”

His scowl darkened. “Like I know. Just… I’ll follow you.”

After I put back all his terrible choices, I walked directly to the produce area and started putting things in his basket. I only ever bought organic, even though it cost more, because as I had told him earlier, I didn’t do preservatives. I put apricots in the basket and carrots and green beans and zucchini and plum tomatoes. He followed me all over the store, listening as I talked, telling him what to make with the ingredients I was getting. When I was done, having placed two bottles of chardonnay into the basket last of all, I looked up at his face.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he said flatly.

“About what?”

“That’s just it. What the hell is a fritter whatever?”

“A frittata.”

“What is that?”

“It’s kinda like a quiche.”

“So why not say quiche?”

“’Cause it’s different. Not as heavy. More like a tart.”

He groaned. “Whatever. You can come with me and make it yourself.”

I was stunned.

“Christ, could your eyes get any bigger?”

“I’m sorry, what’d you say?”

“Just come with me.” He was exasperated. “This way I can go to my friend’s place since I’m already late, you can eat, and then I’ll dump you at home.”

“Will your friends want me there?”

“They won’t give a shit.”

The idea of going home alone wasn’t appealing in the least. The idea of going out to a club and sleeping with somebody else wasn’t appealing either. The only thing I wanted to do was spend time with Detective Kage. He was new and interesting, and just looking at him made heat race over my skin.

“Okay.”

“Fine.” He sighed like he was tired, and I noticed the dark circles under his eyes.

“Maybe you should go home to bed, huh?”

“Just get in line,” he barked at me, shoving my shoulder to get my feet moving.

I went ahead of him and got into the line to check-out. As always, I enjoyed people-watching, and seeing the woman count back the detective’s change was fun. The way her hands trembled, the sharp intake of breath when his eyes met hers, the flashing smile she gave him. It was all very telling. I was not the only one who saw the appeal of Detective Kage. I wondered what his friends would be like.

It was loud. There was football on in the living room, men drinking beer and yelling at the TV, music on in the kitchen, and women talking in the dining room. The kitchen smelled amazing, and it was warm as several women moved around setting up appetizers. Sam shoved me into the room with the groceries, told them that I was going to make his part, and left me there.

I stared at them. They stared at me.

“So,” one of the women said, crossing her arms as she looked at me. “Whatcha gonna make?”

She had one eyebrow arched, daring me to say something…anything. I liked her instantly.