She smiled. “Yeah, but you do it so politely and calmly. It’s kind of annoying actually.”
He barked out a laugh. “My politeness is annoying?”
Tara nodded.
“I’m sorry for jumping down your throat,” he said sincerely.
Her stomach grumbled.
“Shall we start over?” he asked.
“Okay, I’d like that.”
“I thought I’d order Indian, how does that sound?” he asked.
She placed a hand over her stomach. “Yes, please, I’m starving. I’ll just go get changed.”
“You can put a t-shirt on, but lose the panties and bra,” he commanded.
While he ordered the food, Tara moved into the bedroom and pulled on a long t-shirt. When she came out, he was sitting on the sofa. He’d poured them both a glass of red wine that he must have brought with him because she didn’t have any alcohol in the apartment.
Tara sat and took a sip. Alex pulled her close against him and turned on the T.V. They lay snuggled like that until the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it,” she said, jumping up and putting her glass on the coffee table before running to the door.
“Really? Dressed like that?”
She glanced down at herself and cursed as she realized she was dressed only in a t-shirt. Grabbing her purse, she thrust it at him.
“There’s some cash inside, use it to pay for dinner.” She moved back into the living area. She heard a low murmuring and then Alex returned with two bags and her purse which he handed to her.
She opened her purse, scowling as she saw all her cash was still there.
“I wanted to pay for dinner.”
Alex snorted. “I don’t think so. I’m an old-fashioned guy, sweetheart. When we’re on a date, I pay.”
“It’s just takeout. I’ll grab some plates.” She grabbed some plates from the kitchen and spooned some onto a plate for him. He took the plate with a murmured thanks. She filled her own plate then forked some up, practically inhaling it.
Tara paused as she noticed Alex watching her rather than eating, a small frown on his face.
She swallowed. “Something wrong?”
“You’re starving. When was the last time you ate?”
“Last night,” she said.
“Last night?” The disbelief in his voice had her turning to stare at him. “Tara, you can’t afford to skip meals, you’re losing weight.”
“Charmer,” she said, wrinkling her nose at him.
“I mean it,” he said sternly. “That’s another rule for you. No more skipping meals.”
“You know, I don’t think grown women need rules.”
“You do. And I will happily enforce them.” His grin was evil.
“I bet.”