Lip Service (Private Relations 2)
Laughing he said, “I did win, didn’t I?”
He waited a beat and then said, “Well. It really is a man’s game.”
Chloe smacked him in the arm and said, “What the hell!”
Rubbing his arm he laughed and said, “Kidding. Kidding! Your face was priceless though.”
His smile softened a bit and he asked, “Hungry yet?”
“A bit, yeah. I didn’t want to stop playing but now that my downfall is complete,” she said, smiling wryly.
They got up from the couch and headed to the kitchen. As they walked through the entrance, she asked, “Is there anything I can do to help?”
Shaking his head, he said, “Nah. I’ve got in under control. Keep me company?”
Nodding, she headed over to the other side of the island and she stood there and watched him work for a moment, then asked, “You’re sure?”
“Just relax and have a seat. Let me make you dinner,” he said, then paused before adding, “By the way. How was CrossFit? Did it break you again?”
“My muscles are a little stiff from sitting for so long,” she said, gesturing to the living room. “But not like the other night. We did lots of shoulder work today.”
“You’re tough, Chlo. I don’t think I could handle that stuff. Especially with my knee. Swimming and weights are about all I’m good for.”
Surveying him a moment, she said, “Well, clearly that’s working out just fine for you.”
“Glad you noticed,” he said, smirking.
“Hard to miss,” she replied, rolling her eyes.
She continued to watch him in fascination as he moved to the refrigerator and took out the steaks. They were on a plate, and looked like they’d been seasoned already. Setting it aside, he grabbed two potatoes out and what looked like the beginnings of a salad.
As he was preheating the oven, he looked back at her and saw that she was watching him intently.
“What?” he asked.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you cook anything that didn’t involve a microwave before. Frankly, I didn’t know if you knew how. I’m impressed.”
Smirking, he said, “A man’s gotta eat. Besides, this is mostly just grilling. My genetics demand that I be able to cook over open flame.”
“Easy,” she said, laughing and holding up her hands in surrender. “Nobody’s doubting your manhood. I just realized there’s a lot that I don’t know about you even though we’ve been friends for years.”
“I know what you mean,” he said. “It’s strange to think that we’re still getting to know each other after all this time.”
&n
bsp; Chloe rolled her shoulders again, and stretched her neck.
Glancing up at her again, he shook his head. He set the potatoes on the counter, and slid the steaks back in the fridge. Moving to the sink, he washed his hands and dried them on the dish towel.
She watched him curiously, not exactly sure what was going on until he walked up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. Gently, he began to massage her knotted muscles.
Groaning, she said, “You really don’t have to do that.”
After a brief pause, she added, “But don’t expect me to fight you on it. That’s great.”
“You’ve been rolling your shoulders since you walked in the door. Besides, I’ve wanted to get my hands on you since you got here, anyway. This is convenient for both of us.”
Smirking, she said, “Carry on then.”