Page 59 of Rogue Wave

Bernie had adapted remarkably well to his new home and seemed to be thriving, which made me so happy.

Nigel, however, did not make me happy. That demon spawn had already thrown two seashells at my head—clear retaliation for only giving him four shrimp in his puzzle toy instead of the usual five. I groaned at his ability to hold a grudge.

My cell vibrated in the back pocket of my jeans. Learning from my mistakes, I chose to step away from Nigel’s tank before I pulled out my phone to check my message.

Hank:

I’m having a hard time focusing today. Thanks a lot.

Me:

Oh really? Why?

I hoped something hadn’t come up with the case again. I hated that we couldn’t seem to catch a break with that.

Hank:

You. Thinking about last night.

Oh.

There I went, blushing again. I wasn’t usually the blushing type, but this man made me feel as giddy as a schoolgirl.

I gasped and may or may not have let out a high-pitched squeal as icy cold water hit my back.

I turned around ever so slowly to see one of Nigel’s arms protruding outward from his tank, his face staring back at me through the glass.

“You slimy little shitsack. That’s it. I’m calling Hank on you,” I threatened, even though we both knew it was really just an excuse to call the handsome man next door.

All week, I’d found myself looking for little reasons to call him throughout the day, even though I knew I’d likely see him at night.

It made me smile to hear his voice, so I would continue to do it.

He answered on the second ring. “Hey…” he began, but I interrupted him.

“I’m soaking wet,” I told him, huffing in frustration.

I could hear the smile in his voice as he replied. “I see my text got you all worked up thinking about last night too.”

What?

Oh, God.

“Oh, no, I meant…well, Nigel…he… Never mind.”

He let out a small chuckle. “Well, damn. Here I was thinking I’d caused you to suffer the same fate I’ve been going through the past few hours. Kind of sad that Nigel is the reason for it.”

I laughed, realizing how far this simple play on words had gone. I filled him in on what had really happened and took a few minutes to catch up and just hear his voice.

“Do you want to go out to eat tonight or just get Luigi’s and eat at home?” he asked, but I noted the last word he said.

Home.

It could be in reference to my house or his, but the point was, we would be at one of them together, and that thought brought yet another smile to my face.

“Why don’t you call in the order and I’ll pick it up on my way back from work,” I offered, and we settled on that plan.

My smile from earlier hadn’t faded in the hours since. Driving home with the smell of delicious Italian food filling my car only made my happiness factor even higher.