I chuckle and shake my head, picking up my fork. “Is the TV in your bedroom?” I ask as we eat. I noticed there isn’t one in the living area.
He shakes his head. “No, I actually don’t have a TV.”
I nearly choke on my water and he laughs. “What? Why?”
He shrugs. “Don’t need it. I spend most of my free time reading anyway, or working out, going for runs.”
I blink at him. “But, how?”
He laughs again and takes a sip of his water. “Did I break your brain?”
“I…I think maybe,” I reply, and he chuckles. “I can’t imagine not having a tv. Maybe because I don’t like to read. Jesus, you’re missing out on some great shows, though.”
“Yeah? Like what?” His eyes twinkle as he leans back in his chair, and I find myself getting lost in them for a second. Such a pretty shade of blue. And that smile is adorable. Huh, I don’t think I’ve ever thought “adorable” about a guy before. Animals, yes, children even, but a grown man, never.
I clear my throat. “Well, there’sSupernatural,which is the best show in the history of shows,” I proclaim matter-of-factly.
He chuckles. “Is that right?”
I nod. “Schitt’s Creekis super good. My friend Peyton got me hooked onOnce Upon a TimeandHeartstopper.”
“Hmmm, well, maybe I am missing out,” he says, “but not much I can do about it without a TV. I guess you’ll have to invite me over to watch at your place.”
My eyes widen. “Oh, uh…”
“Unless you don’t want me to come over? In which case I’ll just have to remain ignorant.”
I hesitate a little but then say, “You can come. If you bring Marble.”
He laughs. “So that’s how it is, huh?”
I grin and shrug.
“Alright. Deal. You, me, Marble, andSupernatural.Next Thursday night. That way you have time to get settled a bit before we invade your apartment.”
I nod, and we eat in silence for a moment before he says, “Peyton, is she the friend you were with at the bar?”
My cheeks heat and I groan, burying my face in my hand. “Shit, you saw me.”
He laughs, but it’s not unkind. “Yeah, sorry. Valiant attempt buddy, but my detective skills are pretty good, andit’s not too hard to spot a six foot two inch guy trying to hide behind a woman a foot shorter than him.”
I groan again. “Fuck. Kill me now.”
Another laugh, and it actually makes me smile. Especially when he nudges my foot under the table. “Look, I get why you did it. Our first run in was a bit awkward. But the only person who has anything to be ashamed of or embarrassed about is Stacy. You, my friend, didn’t do anything wrong.”
I clear my throat and look at him. “Thanks for feeding me. It’s really nice of you. Especially after I was acting so stupid, and spilled coffee all over you the other day.”
“Was that you?” he teases, and I laugh. “No problem. You uh.… you and Stacy still together?”
I shake my head.
“Good,” is his reply. “I hope you don’t mind me saying so, but she wasn’t worth your time. I did notice you kept the penguin though.”
God, am I going to stop blushing sometime tonight? “What gave it away?” I ask, and he lets out a guffaw, his eyes lighting up again, and I can’t help my grin.
“Oh, he’s funny,” Alex chides, slapping me on the shoulder. “Seriously, though, I’m glad you kept it. I’m sure it’ll be much happier with you.”
We finish our meals and then Alex starts taking care of the dishes. I can’t stand by and watch so I pitch in and we have the table cleared in no time. I’m about to head out when he offers me a beer, so I decide to stay for a bit longer and we settle on the sofa, Marble between us at first before she saunters over and settles down with her chin on my leg. Her eyes close and she purrs again when I pet her.
