“Thanks for the awesome report card, but that’s not what I was referring to. Do you really love me?” The soft smile on her face hit him directly in the chest.
“I do,” she said quietly.
“Good because I love you, too.” He rested his head on top of hers. “And strangely enough, wouldn’t mind shouting it from the rooftops.”
“No way,” she said with a laugh as she stepped back. “The king of reticence wants to make a public announcement?”
“When good shit happens, it’s important to share it.”
“I suppose that’s true.” She tapped her finger against her mouth. “Just don’t wear these hoochie shorts when you do. There’s no need to start a riot and break more hearts than you probably already have.”
“That statement doesn’t have a shred of truth in it.”
“It does but elucidating why you’re a hot commodity wouldn’t be in my best interest. So let’s just work off the premise that I’m the only woman that can love you the way you want.”
“That’s not an idea. It’s a damn fact.”
She pursed her lips. “And if you ever begin to think differently, then let me know.”
Growling, he lifted her into his arms. “I’m not going to change my mind. Once I make a decision about something, it doesn’t change. And while I know that isn’t your favorite quality, it will work in your favor.”
“I suppose that’s true.” She wiggled until he released his hold. “I came over here for something and got completely distracted.”
“While you think about it, tell me what you’re doing today.”
“I’m going to tackle my chore list. We don’t have any errands planned, so I thought I would just putter and perhaps outline some briefs for upcoming cases.” She straightened a stack of towels. “What about you?”
“I promised a couple of neighborhood kids that I’d teach another self-defense skills class. I should also run out to my parent’s place. Kane is out of the country, and he asked me to check on the caretaker and ensure the animals haven’t taken over.”
“How many do they have now?”
“Too many.” He leaned against his weight bench. “I can wait to go later in the day if you want to join me.”
“Would we stop at B’s Barbecue on the way home?”
“Sure, if you want.”
“Then count me in.” She folded her hands together. “It would be our first date.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“I’ve been brainstorming a few ideas and plan on dazzling you with my date ideas in the next several weeks.”
“Isn’t that my job?”
“I don’t think it’s gender specific and believe that wooing and winning should be equal opportunity. Which doesn’t mean that I’m unaware of men’s need to hunt and devour.” She looked past his shoulder. “Since we’re not going the traditional route, let me know if you need me to run to the end of the street so you can catch me.”
“Considering you hate running, I don’t think much chase will be involved.”
“True.” She patted his chest. “Nonetheless. I’m sure we can come up with something. I don’t want you to feel you’re missing out because we went the frenemies to lover route and not the love at first sight one.”
“I don’t know what that means.”
She ran her hand over his bicep. “I’m speaking in tropes. The things that books and movies use to get two people together.”
“Gotcha.” He looked across the driveway and watched a pack of kids head in their direction. “Let’s talk about the dating thing later. Maybe we commit to one night a week and do something outside our comfort zones.”
“Sounds perfect.”