“Does that make you a pig?”
“Do you like pigs?” I counter, and she huffs out a frustrated breath.
“No.”
“Lying again, that’s two, little rabbit.”
“Why are you keeping count?”
“Because I love the way you look when I’m getting under your skin.” She rolls her eyes, and I try a new direction. “How has your day been so far?”
She relaxes her shoulders a bit, and I see a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “Actually, it’s going pretty well now. That’s why I decided to get my favorite sandwich.”
As if on cue, the waitress comes over and places both orders in front of us. “Can I get you something to drink?” she asks me.
“No, we’re good sharing,” I tell her before Lexi has a chance to correct me.
“Are you going to tell me how you found me?” she asks once we’re alone again.
I finish chewing my food and take my time answering. “I was passing through and saw you.” Okay, that’s mostly true. “Aren’t you happy to see me?” This time I slowly look her up and down. “Because I was very happy to see you.”
“You know Parker is like a sister to me,” she blurts out.
“I know, and Sam is my brother. What’s your point?”
“I’m going to be in their lives forever, so whatever you think should happen can’t happen.”
My smile is slow, and after a second, she squirms in her seat. “What is it you think this is, little rabbit?”
“I just mean, we should be friends.”
“I agree.” I look down at her plate and see it’s untouched. “And you need to eat.”
She huffs again before she starts to eat, and it’s the most adorable thing ever. I like teasing her and seeing her reactions, but mostly I want to ask her a million questions and find out everything about her.
“Come with me.” Now it’s my turn to blurt out things that I probably should have kept to myself.
“I…um…” She looks at her phone and then back at me. “I’ve got plans.”
“No you don’t.” Her brows pull together and make the cutest little V between her eyes.
“How do you know?”
“Because your best friend and my brother are on their honeymoon, and neither of us has anyone else in our lives.”
“That’s not true. I’ve got friends.”
“What are their names?” I ask quickly, and she opens her mouth, then closes it quickly.
“Um, Lebron.”
“So King James is a buddy, huh?” She snorts and then slaps a hand over her mouth to cover it, but it’s too late. “Don’t tell me you just snorted.”
“Some people can’t help it.”
This time when I laugh it feels so fucking good. It warms my entire chest, and I can’t remember the last time I felt so full. Not from the food, but from the woman sitting in front of me.
“It’s adorable.” Glancing at her plate, I see she’s finished her food, and I throw some bills on the table. “Let’s go.”
“Seriously, I’ve got homework and—”
“Have you ever been to Costco?” I interrupt, and the face she gives me is like I’ve asked her if she’s been to Mars.
Chapter Seven
Lexi
How did I end up here? Also, how did I not know about this awesome place? Sure, I’ve heard of Costco, but I had no idea it was this magical inside. At some point, I’d lost Asher, but in my defense this place is like a Vegas casino. There are no clocks or windows so you have no idea how long you’ve been inside. A person can easily get distracted by fuzzy blankets, flowers, and snacks.
I circle back around and grab one of the samples I’ve already had but the nice man either doesn't notice I’m here for a second time or doesn’t care. All the people handing out samples are full of smiles. Is this a cult and is this just how they suck you in?
When we left the deli after eating lunch, I was stuffed, and there was no way I could think about food. That was until we’d gotten to this magical place with yummy smells. I snuck back for another pig in a blanket, but it wasn’t a normal, run-of-the-mill pig in a blanket. The blankets were parmesan crusted. How could I only eat one?
“Got you.” I let out a small squeal of surprise when Asher grips my hips from behind. He pulls me back into his big body, and for a moment, I let myself lean into him. I want to enjoy his warmth and comfort while I can because my body is starved for touch. Not anyone's touch either. His.
“I’m not doing anything,” I say, trying to cover up that my mouth is full.
“I got a second one too,” he whispers in my ear before presenting it to me in the palm of his hand.
I snatch it from him and pop it into my mouth. He stares at his now empty hand for a long moment before he throws his head back and laughs. The sexy sound bounces through the giant warehouse, and a few women glance our way. I glare at them, feeling possessive of the laugh Asher meant for me.