“Yeah, but you work through lunch sometimes, right?”
“And still, you wouldn’t have interrupted me.”
Avery bit his lips, then turned back to the diced potatoes on the stove. “Next time, I’ll make sure to go through with showing up unannounced.”
“So, who had the pleasure of your company for lunch?”
“Allison.”
“Mmmm. Were you two talking about my brother and me?”
“No. We spoke about our night on the town this past weekend.”
DeAndre frowned. “What night on the town?” As Avery’s lips spread into a smile, DeAndre bit her neck. “You’re messing with me, aren’t you?”
“And you fell for it. I never thought I’d see the day you fall for your own shenanigans.”
“Only you can get me like that.”
“So you say.”
“You know it’s true.”
Avery licked her lips. “There’s beer on your tongue.” She glanced back at him. “You’ve been drinking?”
“I had a few Budweisers with an old college friend at Harry’s Lounge.”
“What kind of friend?” She turned off the stove and emptied the potatoes into a white glass dish on the countertop.
“I’m not sure I understand the question, beautiful.”
Avery sat the skillet down then glanced DeAndre’s way. “I mean, a male friend…. Or?”
“Yes. Attorney Corey Riddick.”
“Hmmm. That name doesn’t sound familiar.”
“I think he’s not as popular yet.”
Avery nodded, stepped back, and removed a pan of Texas Roadhouse butter rolls from the oven.
“You have it smelling delicious in here. Let me help you.” DeAndre grabbed the pot of beef stew and sat it in the middle of their table while Avery sat their potatoes and bread down.
“One more thing, and we’re ready.” She strutted to the refrigerator, removed green salad and light lemonade, and pulled two wine glasses from the cabinets. “Okay, so two more things.”
DeAndre grinned. He lifted a bottle of wine from an ice bucket at the table and inserted a corkscrew.
Pop!
Avery hurried to the table, setting a glass underneath his hand as the wine began to pour from the top. A splatter of bubbly hit her hand, and after filling the glass halfway, DeAndre dipped and sucked the beverage from her fingers.
“Mmmm…” Avery moaned, a smile curving her lips.
“You know, I could’ve had you for dinner and saved you the trouble.”
They eyed each other, and Avery giggled. “You still can if you’re up for it after dinner.”
“Say less.” DeAndre leaned towards her, and she met him in the middle for a mouthwatering kiss.