Ink sighed, but she saw the humor in his eyes as he stood and finished his beer. They all left quickly, calling out goodbye.
“I didn’t mean to ruin your party.”
“Wasn’t a party, babe. Just a few drinks with the boys. And I’d rather be with you. You had a good time?”
“I really did. Although, I didn’t realize how fit you needed to be to go shopping. My feet hurt.”
“Come inside. I?
?ll order in some dinner and rub your feet.”
“Rub my feet? Are you serious?”
“Yep.”
“How has no woman ever snapped you up?”
He smiled and kissed her. “Guess I was just waiting for you.”
* * *
He gave foot massages.
She already knew she’d hit the lottery but that was just icing on the cake. She groaned as he rubbed a particularly sore spot. They’d ordered in some Chinese and while they were waiting, he massaged her feet.
Pure bliss.
“You got any plans for tomorrow?” Duke asked her, putting her feet down.
“Ah, yeah, unfortunately I’ve got to go and see my old boss.”
“Why? You want your old job back?”
She was surprised by the question. “No, of course not. If I never saw Ronny again, I’d be happy.”
He frowned. “Then why?”
“He hasn’t paid me the hours he owes me and I need the money.”
“That shithead hasn’t paid you? Why didn’t you say anything?”
She blinked. “Say something?”
He gave her a light shake. “Yeah, babe. Why didn’t you say anything to me? Your boyfriend.”
Her boyfriend. She smiled wide.
“What’s with the Cheshire grin?”
“Did you just make an Alice in Wonderland reference?” she asked.
“Yeah. . .well. . .seems my girl has a thing for tea parties and white rabbits,” he muttered.
“Did you read it?” she asked, delighted.
“It’s not such a big deal, but. . .ahh hell wasn’t going to show you this until tomorrow. Come on.” He grasped hold of her hand and pulled her towards the spare bedroom. He opened the door and switched on the light. She gasped.
“Oh my God, when did you do this?” She stepped into the room and turned around, taking it all in.