The Baddest Bad Boy

“It is. I promise, honey. Even though it’s delivery, Tony’s is still amazing.”

This has been a point of playful contention between the two of us because when we’re together, I insist on cooking. Of course, Troy appreciates it, but he likes take-out too. I remind him of all the extra salt, sugar, and fat there is in restaurant food, but he’s right. Sometimes, you have to live a little.

My gorgeous boyfriend grabs napkins and settles on the couch with a huge slice in hand while I take my place next to him. It’s comfy on his extra-long sofa, and I snuggle into his side while taking an enormous bite of pie.

“Mmm. Okay, this is amazing. How’d you find this place?”

He chuckles.

“See? I’ve tested every pizza place in town. But Tony’s is my favorite and I think I came upon them randomly. Plus, they’re really fast when it comes to delivery.”

I take another huge bite, savoring the tangy tomato sauce.

“You really are going to ruin me. I like cooking, you know! It’s not a chore.”

Troy kisses the tip of my nose. “I know, but it doesn’t hurt to enjoy someone else’s efforts sometimes.”

“True. You’re an amazing chef.”

He laughs. “Thank you, sweetheart. I’m happy to cook for you anytime you’re tired.”

I snuggle closer to him. A man who whips up meals on demand? I’m in heaven. Then, I take another bite of my pizza. It really is amazing but I bet I could make something similar. I have a pizza stone that Caitlin gave me that needs to be used. For some reason, my friend is obsessed with gifting me all sorts of gadgets. There were the blackout curtains, a TV, and now all sorts of appliances for my new kitchen.

Then, I sit up straight.

“Where was last week’s trip to?” I ask my boyfriend after swallowing. “You never told me.”

“California,” he says while taking another huge bite.

“Oh, wow. You stayed domestic this time around?”

“Yeah, this time at least. But honey, I’m going to Spain on Thursday. It’ll be over quick though. It’s just an in and out.”

I nod.

“No worries, I’ll be alright.”

He grins and places a kiss on my forehead.

“I know you will be, honey. How are you doing with your graphic design business by the way?”

I sigh happily.

“I’m even busier than before. I’ve gotten ten new clients in the last two weeks alone. It’s sheer insanity”

Troy’s whistles, impressed. “Wow, that is a lot. Can you handle all those clients? I know you’re amazing, but I don’t want you to burn yourself out, sweetheart.”

I shake my head.

“I know. I can handle it for now, but if things keep growing, I’m going to have to hire an employee because it’s just too much for one person. Can you imagine it? Me, as a boss?”

He grins.

“I can absolutely imagine you as a lady boss.”

I giggle.

“Yeah, it’s crazy, right? I didn’t think I’d grow this fast but the orders keep coming and I have to manage the workflow, otherwise my customers will be disappointed.”

Troy nods.

“I’m really happy for you, honey. It’s wonderful, and I’m so proud of you.”

I nod happily because with his support, everything is more meaningful. Troy makes me feel like I can do anything, and he’s my safety net if I fall. I’ve never felt more excited about my business, and I know it’s in part because of him.

“It just takes passion, I guess,” I say modestly.

He nods.

“You definitely have that. You inspire me, and now you’ve got a new favorite pizza because of me too. We’re good for each other, Cammie. I can feel it.”

I laugh and take another slice of pizza. “We’re perfect for each other, in fact.”

But then my mouth snaps shut because I didn’t mean to say that. Yes, this relationship is moving fast, but not that fast. Do I sound desperate? But Troy isn’t weirded out. Instead, he just turns to me, his lips in a smile.

“We are perfect for each other,” he whispers in my ear. “Absolutely made for one another.” My heart skips a beat. Maybe it wasn’t such a horrific blunder after all if he feels the same way. It can’t be that bad, can it?

Troy and I finish the entire pizza within ten minutes of its arrival, laughing as we wolf down slice after slice. I guess we were both starving. Then, my boyfriend puts the pizza box in the trash and returns to the couch. Once he sits down, I throw my legs over his lap comfortably as he rubs my feet.

“You happy?” he asks.

I look at him, my eyes filled with love.

“Absolutely.” It’s true. I haven’t felt so content or at peace in a long time now.

“What do you want to watch?” he grins. “I can do anything except Lifetime specials. You know I can’t stand the melodrama there.”

I quirk an eyebrow at him.