I almost drop my keys while trying to unlock my front door.
“Oh yeah?”
“Yes, Layla,” he says in a low voice. “I was thinking maybe we should…make tamales soon?”
I almost laugh out loud. Making tamales has never sounded so sexual.
“You want to…make tamales? When?” I ask him.
“Aye. I wanted tomake tamalesyesterday, but fucking Gallagher…” he growls.
Fucking Gallagher, indeed.
“When are you free next?” he asks.
“Well,” I hedge, “making tamales can be a pretty lengthy process.”
I almost choke. I was definitely talking about actually making tamales, but given the implied innuendo, I realize I probably should have reworded that.
“I mean—” I start to say before Teagan starts chuckling.
“You’re right. We should definitely make sure we have enoughuninterruptedtime.”
“Preferably where Rowan can’t interfere?” I squeak out.
“Exactly,” he replies. “So when, Layla? You name the time and place.”
My heart is racing, and I can’t figure out if he means makingactualtamales or picking up where we left off. As much as I want him, I don’t want to jump straight into bed before we’ve even talked about the attraction between us.
“Teagan, just to be clear, we’re actually going to make tamales, right?”
He releases a breathy laugh. “Yes, Lovely. You promised to teach me, and I’m going to hold you to that. If we have extra time, we can…talk. Does that sound okay?”
Air whooshes from my mouth in relief. “Yeah, that sounds good. Let me take a look at my work and class schedules later, and I’ll let you know.”
“Grand,” he says simply.
“Are you going to see Beauty and the Beast next week?” I ask, desperate for a subject change. “Norah’s been working so hard on the costumes.”
“That depends. Are yougoing?”
“Obviously,” I say with more sass than intended. “She’s my best friend.”
“Well, then, I guess I’ll be there. What showing?”
It takes a ridiculous amount of effort to keep from kicking my feet in excitement.
“Opening night. I want to be one of the first to see it all put together!”
“Fair point,” he concedes. “Alright, where do we get tickets?”
“You’re in luck. I actually purchased a couple of tickets yesterday. Charlie and I were going to go together, but then she found out she has to work opening night, so I have a spare.” I’m going to kiss Charlie the next time I see her.
“Perfect! How much do I owe you?”
“Nothing. It’s my treat,” I tell him.
“I don’t think so, Lovely. That doesn’t sit right with me. Go on, tell me how much.”
