Page 38 of Rockstar Baby

K. Heading home, just didn’t want you to worry. Didn’t need me at the diner, so I’m going to work on some new recipes.

Sounded like a good enough excuse for him not to rush home. He hated when I took over the kitchen to try out ice cream recipes.

Please, for the love of all that is holy, make something other than mint.

No promises.

PITA.

Love you too.

When I got the middle finger emoji as a response, I knew all was okay in my world.

“Okay, let’s go to my place. I’ll cook you dinner.”

“Why don’t we just get some food to go?”

I looped my finger into his jeans. “You really want me to cook.”

“Do I now?” His smile was slow and delicious in a way that made my stomach do a little flip.

I could feel eyes on us. Gina was rudely staring and I was absolutely done with that. I turned Rory around and pushed him toward the door. “Bye, Gina.”

“Bye. Remember raincoats.”

“Ugh.”

Rory glanced over his shoulder. “Do I want to know?”

“I’m sure you can infer.”

He gave me that winged brow. “Lovely.”

“Better than the alternative.”

“That is for certain. Not that I don’t think you’re clean as a whistle.”

“Yeah, yeah.” The bell above the door made its usual jingle, but it still seemed weirdly loud. As if it was ushering me out the door and into a huge change.

“It was more the kid thing.”

I suddenly wanted to yank my arms into the huge sweater and hug myself.The kid thing.He’d said it with such derision.

Instead of the full withdrawal, I just hid my hands. “No kids, huh?”

“I’m not the family sort.”

“That’s it? Just not the family sort?”

He shrugged. “I didn’t have a bad home life or anything.”

“And yet still no?”

He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I just don’t think I’m suited for it. You have to be very selfless, and I’m definitely not that.”

“Selfish people aren’t usually that aware, LC.”

He sighed. “Don’t you think this is kind of a heavy topic?”