Page 39 of SnowBound

“Whoa, it sucks. I wish you could come home with me.”

I snickered. “Yeah, that wouldn’t be awkward at all.”

Andy shook his head. “Probably.”

The server brought our food, cutting the discussion short.

“I’m starving.” I was about to dip a tortilla chip into the guacamole when Andy stopped me with his hand. “What?” I asked.

“Let me show you how to eat this.”

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

He emptied the salsa, guacamole, and sour cream all over the chips and mixture of cheese, red pepper, tomato, and pulled pork and scrambled it all with a fork.

“Whoa. No. You’re killing our dinner-breakfast.” I pushed his hand back. “What are you doing?”

He offered me a satisfied smile. “Now taste it. You’ll see. All the flavors will hit your tongue.”

“But…but it looks disgusting.”

He smirked. “Then close your eyes, and you won’t see it.” He snickered. “Okay, do it and open your mouth. I’ll feed you.”

“No.”

“C’mon. You blink, and it’ll be over. I won’t bite you during the ten point three seconds it will last.”

I burst into a fit of laughter as he used my own words against me.

“And I won’t steal your innocence in those few seconds,” he said. “I swear.”

I did as he asked and poked my tongue out. Lips I recognized too well brushed against mine in a languid kiss. Soon they were replaced by a mouthful of nachos-y mess.

My tastebuds cheered when the mixed flavors hit them just as Andy described. “Ohmygod, this tastes amazing.” My eyes popped open, and I was ready to fork another bite. “What is it called?”

“Huh, nachos?”

“C’mon. It needs a name better suited for it. What about Mixchos?”

Amusement played in his eyes. “Sounds right. Only you would wanna name a dish.”

“Hey, it really is that good. And it’s worth the mess.”

“That’s what she said,” Andy said, his cockiness fully on now.

“You are terrible.” I elbowed his side before taking another bite. “Be cocky all you want, though. I can take it. Once again, you deserve it.”

He bowed next to me. “Thanks for recognizing my exceptional talent.”

“You’re very welcome. I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it. You are a man of multiple talents. I can attest.”

Andy’s phone rang, cutting short our heart-to-heart. He lifted a finger as if to say Just a sec.

A smile traced his lips when he brought the device to his ear. “Hey, Ma.” He nodded, listening to what his mother was saying. “Yeah, I’m still at the airport. My flight is being rescheduled for nine this morning.” A pause. “Yes, I brought it with me.” A longer pause. “No, I am fine. I can take care of myself.” He shook his head. “Ma, I know you worry about me. You always do.” His mouth tilted at the corner. “I swear I’m okay.” He sighed. “I’m not alone. I have a friend who’s keeping me company. It’s all good.” A slight blush crept over his cheeks. “A she.” His eyes met mine, and he leaned forward to plant a kiss on the tip of my nose. “I love you too, Ma. Go back to bed. I’ll call you if there’s a change. Otherwise, I’ll see you later.” The hue coloring his cheeks darkened. “Yeah, well…okay. I’ll tell her. Bye now.”

He hung up, and I watched him, blinking. “Your mom?”

“Yep. Sorry about that. She wanted to make sure I was all right. I’m sure she barely slept knowing I’d be here overnight.”