“Thanks. I needed that.” Sitting straighter, I grab my knife and fork, slicing into my steak and grinning. “See, like slicing butter.”
Austin chuckles and continues to eat. Snow rubs my leg under the table in a calming motion, which helps my mood.
“Who did he choose?” Snow asks. “I didn’t see the names.”
“I think some guy named Afton and a girl named Lucy,” Austin answers.
“I know that name, Afton.” Snow taps her chin in thought. “London mentioned that name once.”
“It’s the name of a high school boyfriend,” I state matter-of-factly.
“Wonder if it’s the same guy,” she says after taking a sip of sweet tea.
I shrug. “Don’t know.”
London told me about Afton a long time ago. He wondered what happened to the guy. I let him vent. Now, I might be a little jealous if it’s the same guy. I am jealous, I guess. What do I really have to offer either Snow or London? I do well, but London is a celebrity in his own right. Snow is, too. I’m just a bumpkin chef.
Snow taps my leg to get my attention. “I think I’m falling for you.”
Well, now. Guess she likes me for me.
“I feel the same way, sweetheart.”
“Should I go clear?” Austin asks, ignoring the exchange we just had.
“Yeah, I’ll get this. Just drop them on the table.” I wave him off as Snow starts to clear the dishes.
“Do you need a spanking?” she asks, and I turn, blinking once.
And then I start laughing, her joining in a few seconds later.
“No, but maybe you want one,” I tease, and she blushes that beautiful shade of pink.
We wash the dishes in comfortable silence.
“Here you go. I’ll see you in the morning.” Austin puts his supplies away and waves goodbye as he heads toward the exit.
“See ya,” I holler as he walks out.
“You two look comfortable,” London says, smirking from the doorway.
Fuck, he looks good.
“I am.” Snow nods with a sultry smile.
“I’d like you to meet someone.” He steps through the entryway and moves to the side.
“This is Afton, my high school boyfriend.” London drops this news like a bomb, and the room falls eerily quiet.