Page 12 of No Lies No Promises

“No kidding?” My anger drains away. I knew I liked our new boss.

Sean slips behind me, his fingers laced around my waist. “Sorry. I-I j-just d-don’t want you hurt.”

My heart squeezes as I swivel to face him. He hasn’t stuttered in so long, I’d almost forgotten about it. “It’s okay, Big Balls. You saved me.”

“B-but what if n-next time I’m not there?”

Is that what this is all about?

I hold the sides of his head, forcing his gaze to mine. “We’re a team. Right?”

“Forever.” Eyes bright, he slips a lock of hair behind my ear.

Not wanting to open the marriage discussion, I reach inside the paper bag for the Chinese takeout. Before I can say beef and broccoli, the door handle clicks.

Instantly alert, Sean snatches a knife off the counter. “Damn. Stay behind me.”

In the same breath, Buddy launches off the fridge to the floor.

Knees bent, fists raised, I brace for a fight.

“Well, helloo-ee-oo.” A wrinkled face framed by purple hair peeks through the opening. “I hope I didn’t interrupt sexy time.”

Rolling his eyes, my two-legged roommate pecks her cheek. “Jesus, Grams. Ever heard of calling?”

“Or knocking,” I add. Perhaps finding an apartment elsewhere would be wise, after all.

“Don’t be ridiculous. I have a key.” She releases him, then folds me into her bosom. “Hello, dear. I wasn’t aware if you made it home and wanted to make sure Buddy got fed.”

“I texted you the moment we got here.” Sean scowls, but she pretends not to notice.

“Oops. Didn’t see it. Must’ve forgotten to charge my phone.” Drawing a wooden spoon from her apron, she shakes it at her grandson. “Sean James Clark, are you limping?”

The tops of his cheeks turn pink. “H-had a little accident on the way. C-cut myself on a jagged edge of metal.”

Weapon closer, her eyes narrow. “Do not lie to me, young man.”

Playing wingman, I jump to his rescue. “It’s true. I took him to the ER. They sewed him back together. Even asked about his last tetanus shot. Promise. He’s fine.”

“I’m surprised they let you in, with all those hippopotamus rules. You need to put a ring on her, son. Makes all the difference in situations like these, especially if you continue to do dangerous work adding up numbers.”

“Your grandson has proposed,” I chime in. “I simply declined the ring.”

“Grandmother.” Sean grabs her spoon. “Stop.”

After sliding it into her apron, he kisses the top of her head. “Lay off the pressure.”

“Well, someone needs to parent you two… Speaking of… Your father wants to talk to you. He says if you want to keep using his firm as a cover for your accounting…” She inserts air quotes. “You need to bury the hatchet. What does he mean, exactly?”

“Nothing important.” Sean picks Buddy off the kitchen table and sets him on top of the fridge. “I’m simply staying out of his life, same as he did for me growing up.”

Before she can object, footsteps grow louder in the hall, stopping at our door. “It’s me.”

I open the door for Becks, who hugs me tight before letting me go. “How was the beach? Must’ve been sunny out if you stayed another night. Sorry to interrupt, but the lady from the gallery left a message for Ruthanne. She said she needs to bring her Big Dick Pic by the end of the day.”

Eyes merry, the older woman grins. “That’s our Suds and Draw art club exhibit—two weeks from next Friday. Save the date.”

“I’ll put it on the calendar.” Guiltless, I lie. Her charcoal drawing of the exaggerated-penis gladiator scarred me for life. I will never unsee it.