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“Are those pancakes basically just a syrup delivery system?” she asked as she cut off a dainty bite from her eggs benedict and took a bite.
“They use real Vermont syrup, none of the corn syrup stuff. If I could I think I would just pour that into a bowl and eat it with a spoon,” Ryker admitted.
Amy shuddered.
“What are your teeth like? You must have an entire mouthful of cavities.”
“Nope, only three. Good teeth run in my family,” he said proudly before scooping up a mound of syrupy pancake and plopping it into his mouth. After he swallowed, he added, “But if you’re wondering about the genetic makeup of our potential child, I can fill out a sheet like we do at a doctor’s office. I hadn’t thought of doing that before, but now that you bring it up, it sounds really efficient.”
“I didn’t bring it up.” Amy ground her teeth as she picked up a chocolate croissant. “Why would we need to do that, we’re not in a relationship, remember? This is just no-strings-attached sex.”
Ryker took another big bite of his omelet and then washed it down with half a glass of one of his orange juices. He sat back and smiled. “Yeah, that’s what I wanted to discuss. I rejected that offer last night. And here we are, in the bright light of day, and I still have to reject your kind offer. I want strings. Hell, I want ropes. Thick ropes. Tying us together.”
Amy’s fork clattered to her plate.
He was serious.
“But all guys like no-strings sex.”
“No, they don’t. Especially after a certain age, then it’s about the woman and the relationship. I’m past that age.”
“But I told you why I’m a bad risk for a relationship,” Amy reminded him. “I’m really confused.”
He reached over and grabbed her hand. “I know you are, Baby. How about we do what we should have done from the very beginning.”
“What’s that?”
“Date. Not over the phone or Skype date, but in-person date.”
She bit her bottom lip. “The restaurant is keeping me pretty busy. But…”
“But what, Amy?”
“But I would really like to try this. My apartment is small but it does have a guest room. So you could spend the nights when you’re in town, and not in my bed since that isn’t allowed.”
Ryker raised up both of his hands. “Wait just a damn minute. I think we proved quite spectacularly that we can sleep together without my Tab A falling into your Slot B. So I might not even need your guest room.”
Amy giggled. “Point taken.”
“So you agree, we get to date?” Ryker asked hopefully.
“I agree. You do realize today is our second date, so technically I’m supposed to put out on the third date…”
“Shut up, Amy,” Ryker growled.
20
“So is Motorcycle-Man showing up again tonight?” Gillian asked as she walked by Amy holding a platter of food.
“Who?” Amy feigned ignorance.
“You know, the hot guy that picks you up and takes you for rides on his Harley,” Valentina said as she moved toward the bar to put in her drink order.
Damn, why did she have to hire so many people who were good at multitasking? If she hadn’t, maybe they wouldn’t have time to bust her balls while also doing so well getting their actual job accomplished!
“His name is Ryker McQueen, and yes, I expect to see him tonight,” Amy admitted.
“Holy shit, what a righteous name!” Valentina squealed.
