Page 20 of Loving Kai

“He lives at home?”

She shook her head. “Poor Larry.”

“Poor Larry? He stood you up. The man lives at home, and he stood you up?”

She sat up straight. “You’re right. The heck with Larry.”

“Heck yeah.”

Maggie pointed at him. “Stop making fun of my non-swearing.”

He was still holding her hand, but she didn’t seem to care, and he didn’t want to let go. “Why don’t you swear?”

“My dad.”

“What about him?”

“I don’t want to disappoint him.”

“He wouldn’t approve of his daughter having a potty mouth?”

She laughed. “Actually, he probably wouldn’t care. It’s just a weird thing I have.”

“Hmm. I’m sure he appreciates the respect. Does he swear?”

“Yes. So does my brother.”

“Double standard.”

“As I said, it’s my weirdness.”

He squeezed her hand again. “Do you have any other weird things I should know about?”

“That’s probably the only one I want to share with you.”

“Oh, come on. I’ll give you one of mine.”

She smiled and bumped his shoulder. “This should be good.”

“I like to go without clothing when I’m here alone, obviously.”

“Um…wow. Even in the kitchen when you’re cooking dinner?”

“Sometimes.”

She shook her head. “Remind me to steer clear of your kitchen. It actually sounds slightly dangerous.” She blushed, and Abe laughed.

“I never cook anything that splatters.”

She covered her face with her free hand. “I really wish you hadn’t told me that.”

“Sorry.”

“My weird things don’t seem so weird anymore.” She looked at him. “The image of you standing in the kitchen with just a spatula in your hand is forever seared into my brain.”

“That might make my charmingly disagreeable boss persona a little less effective now.”

“Okay. I’m going to change the subject. How old were you when you had your first girlfriend?”