Fat Cat Liar

“Because I’m an idiot. My excuses sound lame now. Can we drop it?”

“Yes, but I have to know one more thing. Do I need to refer to Jenny as Dr. from now on?”

She giggles, poking me in the ribs playfully. “Not at all!”

“I can’t believe Jonas and Enrique are actual scientists, and I thought Bessie was a receptionist.”

“Oh my God!” Greer throws her head back laughing. “She’s going to crack up when she finds that out.”

“Maybe we should keep it to ourselves. Don’t want to piss off the braniacs.”

“Good call.” Her face grows a bit more serious, the teasing expression disappearing. “Lawson, are we okay?”

“Hell yes.”

“I’m so relieved to hear that because I really like you. I really like us.”

“We’re solid, Greer.”

Her face softens and she cups my cheeks, swiping her thumb across my lips. Her eyes are now sparkling.

“Is this it? No more bombshells?”

“I think that’s it. Unless you want me to explain what this weekend was about.”

“I thought is was a clandestine, underground Nerd Herd secret.”

“It is, but I don’t want anything else between us.”

It’s my turn to skim my fingers across her lips. “I can wait. Tell me when it’s time.”

She curls into me, nuzzling her head in my neck and releasing a long sigh. I tighten my hold, brushing my mouth back and forth along her forehead.

A slow burn builds from deep inside with the need to claim this woman wholly. Being in love with her is not enough; it’s time she knows how serious I am.

“I have money, Greer. Not the kind you’re accustomed to, but enough for us to live comfortably. Anything you want, if it’s within my power, you will get. My mom had money, but Dad worked hard to make sure he took care of his family. That’s what I plan to do with us, take care of our family.”

She sucks in a deep breath and goes completely still. I’ve only mentioned my mom a few times in conversation, and I rarely mention the rest of my family. It’s not a subject I’m comfortable discussing.

Until now.

“How about a new plan?” I swing my legs up, stretching out on the sofa and adjusting her so she’s tucked into my side. “Let’s talk.”

“Talk?” She jerks her head back.

“Yes.”

“I’m a little talked out.”

“How about I do the talking then? Did I ever tell you about the time I tried to convince Clay he could fly and he broke his arm?”

Her smile stretches across her face, and she shakes her head. “It sounds cliché, but I’d like to hear it.”

“Well, he was irritating me…”

•8•8•

Greer’s hushed voice stirs me from sleep. I slowly open my eyes and take a few seconds to adjust to the dim lighting. I find my glasses folded on the coffee table and put them on, shaking my head a few times to wake up. The last thing I remember is the two of us falling asleep on the sofa, her curled into me tightly. It was the best sleep I’d had in days.