Page 56 of Sour Notes

“Umm, those are mostly without the boxes,” she flashes me an apologetic look.

“Crap, I honestly don’t think I’ll get it in. Maybe we need to pivot the article to next month’s issue. I’ll just have to think of something else. Vacation romances? Destination weddings? Actually, that could work right?”

“I can toss it in mine, babe. It’s fine.” Swayze wraps his free arm around me, dropping a kiss on my head, which has Jen positively swooning.

“My carry-on's mostly empty. I’ll move some shit in there and toss this into my suitcase. It’s all good. I’ll go do it now. Nice to meet you, Jen.” He flashes her a blinding smile before disappearing into his bedroom with the box.

I stare after him, totally speechless.

Would he be so agreeable knowing he’s taking a whole arsenal of sex toys with him? I wonder if he’s a card-carrying member of the toys as teammates club… or if he’s threatened by them like Pete used to be.

Hell no. Don’t even go there.

“Oh my god, Mia. He’s even hotter in real life. How did you not get together ages ago?”

I turn to Jen with a wry smile, watching her fan her flushed face with her phone. Peeking over my shoulder she moves closer and whispers, “Does he know what’s in there?”

“God no, I’m not so sure he’d be as willing to help if he did.” We both burst out laughing just as arms snake around my waist, and I jump out of my skin.

“Box is locked and loaded, so you guys don’t need to worry.”

He rests his chin on my head in the ultimate couple move which does absolutely nothing to me.

Those butterflies are just travel nerves.

That’s all.

And Jen? Well she’s got hearts in her eyes, so I’m pretty sure she’s sold.

“Want to come in, Jen?” His voice vibrates, sending shivers down my spine.

Uhhh excuse me?

Now he’s getting a little too comfortable playing the doting boyfriend considering we leave for the airport in a little over thirty minutes. This is hardly the time for show and tell.

Besides, now he’s packed the silicone dicks, this girl needs to obsessively recheck her bags for her passport and bridesmaid dress, not entertain her editor with her fake-ass boyfriend.

“Oh no, I’m running late to meet my friends. I’ll give you lovebirds some privacy. Have fun with the article, Mia.” She winks at me, before spinning on her heel and disappearing back down the driveway.

Swayze releases me and locks the door behind her, his shoulders slumping now that he’s not putting on a show.

“Umm, thanks for packing that stuff for me. Are you sure you don’t mind?”

Steely gray eyes study mine for a second.

“No, it's cool. What’s in there anyway?”

Hmmm… do I tell him the truth?

It would be hilarious to see his reaction, but then again, he might point blank refuse to take them.

Fuck it. He’ll find out soon enough.

“Just some stuff I need to review for next month's article. Not sure what Jen’s gone with since it’s been such a rush to get it here. Are you all set? The cab will be here soon then it’s showtime, boyfriend.”

I flash him a huge smile, masking the nerves I feel, and stride to my room as fast as I can without breaking into an actual run, barely catching his grumbly, mumbled reply.

“Born ready, Angel.”