I can’t help the giggle that escapes. “I don’t think I can find it in my heart to skin a beaver, so you’re safe from that.”
“Anything odd I should be aware of?” he asks.
“No. It’s all normal things in there. Do you eat eggs?” I inquire. “So I know how flexible I can be with food for the road trips.”
“Yeah, I eat eggs. Good protein.”
“What about fish and seafood?”
“Yes.”
“Chicken and steak?”
He tilts his head to the side. “Didn’t we go over this when I filled out the questionnaire?”
I stare at him incredulously, then pop both hands on my hips. “You refused to fill it out, Max. I’m going in blind here.”
He has the decency to look remorseful. “Oh. You can send it again, I guess.”
“No, that’s okay,” I answer sweetly.
“What? Why?”
I begin to swipe at the table, innocently picking at nondescript crumbs and lint. “I’ll wing it. It’ll be fun to see what I can get you to eat.”
“Did you give him the salmon bagel today?” Jake asks hopefully. “I’d love to see him eat that one. Bet he gags.”
I giggle again. “No. Just a normal protein bowl.”
Intrigued, Max opens the breakfast box. “It looks like yogurt.”
“Yes, Max. Yogurt has protein. Greek yogurt, especially. I also added protein powder to the bowl, which thickens it up, plus a dash of pudding mix. Since you’re such a sweets lover, I think you’ll like it.”
He looks up at me through his beautifully thick, dark lashes. “How did you know I like sweets?”
“I pay attention, Sunshine. Now go sit down to eat, so I can tell Coach you were a good boy,” I tease.
Max’s gaze darkens, and he leans in. “I’m not a good boy. But I bet you’re a good girl.”
Stunned, I watch as he turns around, striding to a table in the back of the room. I felt his words slide over my skin like hot honey, setting me on fire.
“Uh, Layla? You okay?” Jake asks hesitantly.
Nodding quickly, I chirp, “Yup!”
My phone pings with a message, and I yank it out of my pocket. It’s from Ground Man.
Ground Man: I can still taste you.
Ground Man: Thank you for giving me one hell of a night.
Me: I was disappointed to wake up alone. I hoped for a bonus this morning.
Ground Man: Early start for work.
Ground Man: If it helps ease the pain, it was a struggle to leave you alone.
Me: That does help.
