Smokescreen

“Jesus! That’s hot. Can he take me for a ride sometime?”

“Laci!”

“I know, just kidding. He’s a taken man. So tell me about today.”

&nbs

p; “Well, before I give you the low down on this morning, you should know about my afternoon. I helped him spend ten thousand dollars to replace items and decorate his house. It’s being shipped to the high-rise and stored until Erica leaves. Then you and I need to go over and set it up. He knows what it looks like already, but I have a few placement ideas and want to surprise him.”

“It’s a date. Now spill.”

I pour us both another glass of wine and tell her everything from this morning. Her face grows red with anger and then pale with sympathy. When I finish she drains her glass.

“Wow. First-class bitch.”

“Pretty much.”

We both open our mouths at the same time, but Max motions to the kitchen that dinner is ready.

“It smells so good, what is it?” I sniff the air and hear my stomach growl.

“Beef Stroganoff with a summer salad.” He dips out plates and sets them in front of us. Before he moves away, he squeezes my hand gently.

Laci watches with warmth in her eyes and winks at me.

“Max, do you like to cook?” she asks him.

“Certainly do.”

“Good thing, because besides tacos, Stella’s kitchen skills suck.”

“You did not just say that!” I throw my napkin at her and try desperately to find her shin under the table. I finally look and see her legs are crisscrossed in front of her and she’s smirking at me. “I keep your ass fed a few times a week.”

“Microwave pizza and chicken salad isn’t exactly gourmet, Stels.”

I slit my eyes at her daring her to embarrass me any further.

“It’s okay, I love to cook. It’s something I haven’t been able to do regularly in a long time,” Max jokes.

“Great, let me know by lunchtime everyday what’s for dinner and I’ll decide about coming over.”

“No! Due to your smartass remarks, you’re banned for a week.”

“We’ll see, babe, remember I have a key and Dana’s number on speed dial. Max’s staying here now. He can invite me on his own.”

“Not getting in the middle of you two.” He raises his hands in surrender.

My first bite causes a moan. It’s perfect. The beef is tender, the sauce is creamy and the slight hint of garlic fills my taste buds. I close my eyes and savor. When I open them, Max’s eyes are filled with heat. Laci’s mouth hangs open.

“What?”

Max continues staring but Laci clears her throat.

“Do me a favor and don’t do that again. The sexual tension in this room just hit megawatt levels and I want to finish my dinner.” She starts eating.

Max’s gaze never leaves mine. “At what point can I be real with Laci around?” he practically growls.

“Always, she’s as real as they come.”