Page 14 of I Could Never

Josh was at the kitchen table on a video call while Scottie sat on his lap. Josh had arched his neck to see past Scottie, whose nose was buried in his hair. Meanwhile, Josh had his earpiece in and was talking away as if he didn’t have a grown-ass man on his lap.

I wanted to snap a picture, but refrained.

As soon as Josh noticed me, I mouthed, “I’m sorry.”

The only reason I’d gone out again was because Lauren had still been here. I’d planned to make it back before she left but had gotten stuck in traffic.

He held his hand up as if to tell me it was okay.

Scottie hopped off of Josh’s lap and moved over to the couch. Josh ran his hand over his shirt to smooth out the wrinkles and kept on talking without missing a beat.

When he finally got off his call, I shook my head in amazement. “You handled that like a champ.”

“I didn’t have much of a choice. Luckily, I’d explained the deal to my colleagues before I came here, so most of them weren’t shocked when they saw him come on the screen. They found it pretty endearing. I turned my camera off right after he bombarded me, though.”

“You seem to have a calming effect on Scottie.”

He cracked a smile. “I might be his favorite, yeah.”

“It’s definitely not me.” I sighed. “Anyway, are you done for the day?”

He took his earpiece out and closed his laptop. “Yep.”

“Nice.”

He looked down at the bag I was holding. “You get everything you need?”

“Yeah. Some towels, a replacement pillow for Scottie, a bigger blanket for you, and an extra set of sheets. I’m sorry it took so long.” I looked around the kitchen, feeling discombobulated. “I have to make his chicken before dinnertime. I know I’m gonna mess it up.”

Josh ran his hand through his hair. “Why?”

I put down the bag and grabbed the written recipe Lorraine had left me. “Look at these instructions. The chicken has to be pounded down just right, the oil has to be a certain brand—which thankfully we have in the cupboard because I forgot to buy it earlier—and you have to be careful of the egg-to-flour ratio.” I slapped the paper down on the counter. “Otherwise, he won’t eat it.”

“Piece of cake.” Josh rolled up his sleeves. “I can help you.”

“Seriously? Do you cook?”

“Does it matter? Neither one of us has ever made this extra-ass chicken before. We’ll just follow the directions. It’ll be fine.”

“Okay.” I licked my lips. “Yeah…um, I’ll get the oil started. Why don’t you wash the chicken and pound the breasts for me.” I immediately blushed. That sounded so wrong.

He smirked. “I’ve been known to give a good pounding in my lifetime.”

“That was lame.”

“But you’re smiling. And you were blushing way before I even said it, so you’re the one with the dirty fucking mind, Pumpkin.”

“Please don’t tell me you’re going to call me that?”

“Does it bother you?”

“Yes.”

“Then, yes. That’s your nickname.” He winked. “It’s either that or Lemon Pits. You choose.”

“I’ll take Pumpkin.” I rolled my eyes and grabbed the large fry pan from under the counter.

Scottie played on his device in the living room, seemingly oblivious to the fact that Josh and I were probably about to destroy his dinner.