Page 97 of Through the Storms

“Hey, I was kidding,” Lana said.

Oakley bit her bottom lip. Ever since their fight, Oakley struggled with her insecurity, but last night should have erased her fears, shouldn’t it? “I’m still worried that I blew it with you on Sunday.”

“We have things we need to work out, you know that.”

“But I’m afraid you don’t love me anymore,” Oakley blurted out.

“Even after last night?” Lana’s voice was soft not flirtatious.

“I know. Stupid, right?”

“We’ve been down this path before. Your feelings are never stupid.”

“I quoted you when I was trying to help Chloe.” Oakley grinned. “I told her I was still working on perfecting it myself.”

“Her ex sounds like your dad.” Lana’s voice remained soft.

“I told her that, too.”

“Seriously? You talked about your dad with her?”

“Don’t sound so surprised. I’m working on my emotional growth.” Oakley chuckled. “Besides, I didn’t go into all the sordid details of what an ass he is.”

“Is she okay?”

“For now. At least, I think. She skipped dinner and went straight to her room.”

“Her room?”

“I forgot to add that part.” Oakley lowered her voice, “I think you’re right.”

“Huh, I didn’t hear you. Did you just say I was right?”

Oakley smiled at the teasing tone in Lana’s voice. “Yes, smartass. I think there’s something going on between Chloe and Riley. Or at least there was.”

“That’s a shame. I think they’d make a sweet couple.”

“They would. Then we could double date.”

“Trying to set me up with a friend?” Lana asked.

“I suppose. It would do you good.” Oakley hoped Lana wouldn’t take her words the wrong way, but it had been a while since Lana allowed herself to make friends. Her world had become consumed by work.

“It’s a shame I’ll likely not see her again.” A loud bang sounded in the distance. “Oak, hang on, someone’s at my door.”

Oakley lay back against the pillow and listened to Lana talk weather to someone Oakley assumed was part of her team.Damn.Lana was sexy when she talked about wind shear and atmospheric pressure. Oakley chuckled.

“What are you laughing about?” Lana said, startling Oakley.

“Uh, I was wondering if next time we have another night like last night if you could talk dirty to me.”

“What’s gotten into you?” Lana’s voice rose an octave as she spoke.

“Please. I just need to hear you scream out wind shear or atmospheric pressure. Wait, if you really want to rock my world, how about mesocyclone?”

“Only you.” Lana laughed. “You’re such an idiot.”

“But I made you laugh.” She loved Lana’s laugh, and it was even better when she caused it.