Page 190 of Just for the Cameras
“I’m beyond washing dishes, Baker.”
“Yeah, but the one time I brought you into the exhibit, you wouldn’t get close to the flamingos.”
“Because their beady eyes were looking at me weird.”
“Oh my God.” She laughs. “You’re ridiculous.”
“No, I’m cautious.”
“You really think a flamingo could hurt you?”
“Yeah, and I’m not taking the risk.”
She shakes with laughter on top of me. “Fine, I’ll find some pretty pose you can stand in and take pictures with the flamingos…with something between you.”
“Whatever you think is best.” I kiss the top of her head.
“I want you to know that I didn’t fear the giant men out on the field.”
“It’s because you’re braver than me.”
“Clearly.” She nuzzles against my chest for a second. “I don’t have to worry about you traveling for extended periods of time during the season. I get to go to games and wear your name on the back of my shirt…What about postgame activities?”
“What about them?” I ask.
“What kind of postgame activities are there? For instance, is it mandatory for me to go home with you?”
“Yeah, it’s part of the contract.”
“What contract?” she asks.
“The contract that you signed to be in the PR relationship. There was fine print that said if we become real, then you must go home with me, especially after games.”
“Fine print, huh?”
“Yeah, that’s why you should always read it.”
“You know, you’re a lot more easygoing when relaxed.”
“Isn’t everyone?”
“Possibly.” She kisses my neck again. “I like you like this. I like the snarly side of you too, but I also like hearing your voice, and when you’re relaxed, you talk more.”
“You like my voice?”
“Oh my God, yes. It’s so smooth. Sometimes dark, a lot of the time gruff. I remember when you first opened your mouth and you said mean things about flamingos, I thought, ‘That was rude,’ but also, ‘He has a sexy voice.’”
“Don’t think I’ve ever been told that.”
“I feel like if this football thing doesn’t pan out—”
“Feels like it is panning out.”
“But if it doesn’t…you could possibly read for one of those nighttime apps where you help put people to sleep or, better yet, one of those erotic ones where you say naughty things and turn people on.”
“And how do you know of such a thing?”
I can practically feel her eye roll as she says, “Social media, of course.”
