Deadly Illusions(72)
“I don’t think that’s how it normally works,” Finn said.
“It’s how I work,” Sophie said simply, causing Grady to lean over and give her a long, hard kiss.
Mandy divvied up the eggs and potatoes onto plates, delivering them to everyone at the table.
“There was no bread,” she said apologetically. “I couldn’t make toast.”
Finn glanced up at Emma and smiled. “Emma fed it to the geese.”
Mandy scowled. “Those things are a menace.”
“She likes them.”
“Yeah, well, when you’ve stepped in their big turds thirty times in the same summer, they’re not going to seem so cute. Trust me.”
Since there weren’t enough seats, Mandy settled on James’ lap. The only noise for the next few minutes was the sound of cutlery on plates and intermittent swallows.
“I forgot you could cook,” Finn said. “You and James order out so much, I just thought you couldn’t cook for some reason.”
“I’ve cooked for you before,” Mandy said.
“She can cook breakfast,” James said. “I’ve yet to see her cook anything else that doesn’t come in a can.”
“Oh, from the chicken-and-stars chef, I’ll take that as a compliment.”
James patted her rear. “I’m not complaining. I’d rather you focus your considerable energy on me instead of cooking. We can pay people to cook for us – and they deliver it right to our door.”
“You’re such a man,” Sophie said, giggling.
“Hey,” Grady said. “I cook.”
“You do,” Sophie agreed. “That’s why we don’t starve.”
“When we started dating, she only had frozen dinners in her freezer,” Grady said. “Now I’m the one who cooks.”
“I got him a little chef’s hat,” Sophie said, grinning. “He wears it when he plays chef.”
“Sometimes that’s all I wear,” Grady added.
Sophie reached over and poked him in the ribs. “That’s an over share.”
“I’m going to over share with you tonight,” Grady promised.
Emma started to relax, the easy banter around her lulling her into a place of serenity. When everyone finished, Mandy collected the dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher.
“I think we’re going to be going,” she said. “I think you guys could use some time alone.”
Finn nodded, silently mouthing “thank you” to her as she moved around the table.
“If you guys need takeout, there’s a whole drawer of menus next to the sink,” Mandy said, pausing next to Emma and bending over. “You know, when you get back on your feet, I think we should have another spa day. You really seemed to like the last one.”
Emma’s smile was weak. “That sounds good.”
“James is even going to pay for it again,” Mandy announced, straightening up and fixing him with a mischievous smile.
“I am?”
“You said that you owed me for figuring out the Andrew Wayne stuff,” Mandy reminded him.
“No, I said I would buy you an expensive dinner for that,” James replied.
“Well, I want a spa day.”
James smirked. “Fine. You can have your spa day.”
“Really?”
“Absolutely,” he said. “As soon as we finish playing fireman-saves-the-damsel-in-distress.”
“You’re on.”
ONCE everyone was gone, Finn settled Emma on the couch. It was still early, but he knew neither one of them was leaving the apartment this evening – and probably the next day either.
“What do you want?” Finn asked, picking up the remote control. “More Grey’s Anatomy.”
“Whatever you want is fine.” Her voice was stronger now, and she’d ceased shaking.
“Grey’s Anatomy it is.”
“I’m starting to think you’re the one who really likes the show,” Emma said, laughing despite herself.
“I might like it,” Finn agreed, pulling her down so she could rest her head on his chest. He pulled the blanket from the back of the couch and settled it over them. He needed to keep her warm.
“Finn?”
He paused, looking down. “Yeah?”
“I didn’t thank you for saving me again.”
“You don’t have to thank me.”
“I do. I could have died out there,” she said. “Andrew wanted to kill me. He would have killed me if it weren’t for you.”
“You still don’t have to thank me,” Finn said.
“Why?”
“Because, losing you isn’t something I can deal with,” he replied. “Losing you would be like losing a piece of my own heart. I’m fond of my whole heart. So, no, you don’t have to thank me.”