Page 208 of The Virgin Romance Novelist Chronicles
“I say stupid things in awkward silences,” he answered honestly. He turned to Rosie and grabbed her hand in his. “Seriously, Rosie. I know there was history between Henry and Tasha, but I want you to know, Henry has been nothing but professional in the workplace. He is kind of obsessed with you, talks about you all the time while at work. He’s a valuable asset to the firm, and I wouldn’t want to see pieces of his body thrown through a wood chipper because you got the wrong impression.”
Not the smoothest backpedaling, but it did the trick, because Rosie visibly relaxed.
“How did you know a wood chipper would be my destruction of choice?”
Eric laughed. “You seem like a girl who wouldn’t want to leave any trace behind.”
“You’re right.” She pointed at him with a wink.
This whole conversation was entirely too disturbing.
“All right, well on that note, glad to know I won’t be found when murdered by my girlfriend, but I’m going to show her around. Excuse us, Eric.”
“By all means, brag away.”
I linked Rosie’s hand with mine, connecting our palms so I could feel her warmth, and walked her around the room, and when I said walk, I meant shuffle.
Not wanting to embarrass her, in case her vagina was itching or something—I had no clue what went on with pregnant women—I quietly asked once again if she was okay.
“I’m fine. Why do you keep asking?”
“You’re walking weird.” I pointed out the obvious.
“This is how I walk. Don’t you find it sexy?” She bit her bottom lip and shook her head at me, as if she was trying to be a tempting lioness; instead, it looked like she had an overbite and a spasm in her neck.
How was I supposed to answer that question? Did I find her shuffling sexy? Well, did I want my penis ripped off in the middle of a work event, or did I want to lie to her so she could continue to shuffle and look weird? Hmm . . . protecting my penis or protecting her image.
I liked my dick.
“It’s just different, that’s all,” I answered, hiding the wince that wanted to cross my features.
“That’s because I’m holding . . .”
“Bro-logna sandwich,” Freddy said, interrupting Rosie as he slapped me on the back. “I didn’t know you were bringing the old ball and chain with you. You lucky dog.” He playfully punched my side, and in return, I refrained from punching him in the jugular.
“Rosie, this is Freddy. Freddy, please don’t touch my girlfriend. Say hi with a wave.”
“Henry,” Rosie scolded. I didn’t care. I didn’t want Freddy anywhere near Rosie. He was a giant creep, and I wouldn’t put it past him to “accidently” trip and wind up head first in Rosie’s cleavage.
“He’s just playin’, babe,” Freddy said, grating on my nerves. This entire night was annoying me, and I was pretty sure it was because Rosie was looking fine as fuck and every man in the room knew it.
Before I could stop him, Freddy grabbed hold of Rosie and pulled her into a hug. She awkwardly put her arms around him and gave him two pats on the back before backing away, legs still crossed.
“Nice to meet you, Freddy. You must be Henry’s bro he’s always talking about.” The way she said bro didn’t escape me; she was making fun of him.
Excitement passed through Freddy as he tipped my chin with his finger. “You’re talking about me at home, bro-tien shake? And here I thought you didn’t like me.”
Rosie shook her head and interjected before I could answer. “Oh no, he talks about you all the time.”
The devil himself resided in her compact body.
“Bro Montana.” Freddy held his chest, touched by Rosie’s sentiment. Damn it all to hell. “We’re going to lunch together next week, especially after Eric names you—”
“Whoa, did you step up your weight lifting routine?” I asked Freddy. I didn’t need Rosie finding out about the possible promotion right now, especially since something was going on with her legs.
Beef cake himself flexed his muscles and said, “I did. Thanks for noticing. I started working with a new trainer who’s been working on my nutrition. We’ve been shredding, and I have to admit, it’s been tough, but it’s paying off. What I wouldn’t give for a crumb of bread right now.”
“You’re not eating bread?” Rosie asked, looking a little too fascinated by Freddy’s muscles. I puffed my chest a bit and flexed my arms under my jacket.
