Page 46 of Scandal
It’s nice. Comfortable. It’s the most relaxed I’ve felt in years.
“Hey,” Merc says tentatively over the top of her Kindle.
I meet her gaze over the top of my notebook. She’s sitting on the other side of the sofa, looking very cozy by the fire. “Hey.”
“What are you writing in there?” She points to it.
I was wondering when she would finally get the courage to ask me. Smiling, I look down at the frayed edges and soft leather. “What do you think I’m writing in here?”
Biting her bottom lip, she thinks it over. “A cookbook?”
“Yes.” I laugh. “You caught me. I’m leaving the life of rock and roll to pursue my baking career.”
“Knew it.” She grins, then abruptly asks, “Is it song lyrics?”
Nerves blossom in my gut. “Yes.”
Her gaze shifts to the tattered notebook. “Can I see it?”
Shit. I’ve never let anyone read anything in my notebook.
Yes. No. “Maybe.”
Her head tilts to the side, and she raises an eyebrow. “Maybe?”
I motioned to her Kindle. “Will you finally let me see whatever has you blushing so hard? We could do a little show-and-tell. You could read some of mine. I could read some of yours. All out loud, of course.”
Her eyes widen. “You know what? Never mind.”
A chuckle bursts free. “You sure?”
The tips of her ears turn red. She nods.
“Okay, but the offer still stands if you ever change your mind.”
She stuffs her Kindle under her leg. “Good to know.”
I take off my glasses and set them on the table beside the sofa. The room grows quiet again as we both stare at the crackling fire and listen to the soft drops of rain on the roof above.
“I have a request,” Mercury says, turning to face me. She nervously fiddles with the wristband of her hoodie. “Or maybe just a question?”
“Just ask.”
“Okay.” She nods, more to herself than anything. “Are we allowed to go anywhere? I mean, like, between events, can we leave the grounds?”
I hold back a grin. “We can do whatever we want, Merc. We’re adults.”
“Right, but won’t you be mauled by rabid women the second you step past that gate?”
“God, I hope they’re not rabid. That would be unfortunate.”
She playfully smacks me on the arm. “Be serious!”
“Okay, okay!” I raise my hands in surrender, chuckling. “Why do you want to leave the grounds so badly? Is there some sightseeing you want to fit in? I could have Mac arrange it for you if you’re worried my presence will cause a commotion.”
The nerves return instantly, and she glances back to fire before answering. “It’s not about sightseeing or even about leaving the grounds. It’s just…” She lets out a heavy exhale. “I want you to teach me how to have fun.”
Of all the things I thought she would say, I didn’t expect that.
