Some Sort of Crazy (Happy Crazy Love, #2)(8)

“Yeah. I took those.”

He paused with his coffee halfway to his mouth. “Shut the f*ck up. You did those?”

Pride made me smile. “I did. I was shopping with Skylar at this old antiques barn last fall and I found this old magazine from nineteen thirty-eight that had all these dating tips for girls, like ‘Please and flatter your date by talking about his favorite subjects’ or ‘Never sit awkwardly or look bored on a date, even if you are.’ We were cracking up.” I stuck the two trays of rolls in the second oven and set a timer. “I’d always loved taking pictures, and I had the idea that it would be funny to create a series of modern photos with a quote from the advice on top.”

“That’s right. I’d forgotten how you liked to take pictures. You used to make those slide shows of us.” He took another sip of coffee. “Those are great in there. Do you sell them?”

“Sell them?” I made a face. “Nah. It’s just for fun. But I found this other article from eighteen ninety-four on advice for brides, and I want to do another series. It’s unbelievable what people told women, like ‘Clever wives are ever on the alert for new and better methods of denying their amorous husbands.’”

Miles chuckled. “Amorous. Great word.”

“I wish I had a husband for that photo series but I doubt I could get Sebastian to do it.”

“Who’s Sebastian?”

“Skylar’s fiancée. They’re getting married this fall.”

He nodded. “So why haven’t you and the overly amorous Dan tied the knot yet?”

“Dan’s not overly amorous,” I said defensively. It was supposed to be a compliment to Dan, but it didn’t come out right. And it reminded me again about the lack of sexual heat in our relationship—in fact, we hadn’t had sex in two months. But this was not a fact I wanted to share with Miles.

“Ah. The fire’s gone out, huh?” He nodded knowingly and sipped again.

“No, there is still plenty of fire, not that it’s any of your business.” My tone had gone snappish. “I just meant that things are fine. Comfortable.”

“Comfortable?”

“Yes. That’s what happens when two people are committed and together for a long time, which you wouldn’t know.”

“Got me there,” he said easily.

But I was agitated. “Look, just because you make a living writing about your insane sexcapades doesn’t mean everyone else’s sex lives are boring.” With jerky movements, I began pulling out ingredients to make chicken curry salad, slamming things onto the counter. “Dan and I have great fire, if you really want to know.”

“Good.”

“Hot, explosive fire.” I plunked down a mixing bowl.

“Brilliant.”

I turned to him and saw an amused expression on his face. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing. I’m happy for you and your fire.”

Parking a hand on my hip, I cocked my head. “Did you come here at five in the morning just to make fun of me?”

“No. But not gonna lie, it’s for sure an added bonus.”

“What are you doing in town anyway?” I pulled a knife from the block and began carving up chicken breasts I’d poached yesterday. “Aren’t there enough women to torment in the metro Detroit area? Or perhaps you’ve exhausted that supply and you’re on to another city by now.”

“I’m still in Detroit. And I don’t torment women. I adore them.”

“Several at a time, I bet.”

He shrugged. “Occasionally. But hey, they all know the deal. It’s just for fun.”

Having only been with Dan, I couldn’t imagine what it was like to have sex with random people outside a relationship, but Miles’s sex life fascinated me in a sort of gawkerish way. “Yes, I know. I’ve read all about it.” I dumped a handful of chicken in a large bowl.

“You read my stuff?” He sounded surprised.

My turn to shrug. “Occasionally. I particularly liked the one about going to a sex dungeon for your birthday.”

“I didn’t even have sex there.”

“I know but you—did other stuff. Crazy stuff.” I shook my head as I recalled reading what he’d asked the dominatrix to do to him. I’d been shockingly turned on when I read his account of it, and secretly I’d reread it a dozen times. Did that make me a pervert?

“It was slightly crazy. And a bit painful.” He shuddered and adjusted the crotch of his pants. “Don’t ever tie anyone’s balls to a hook on the wall and then crawl around naked in front of him.”

I snorted. “Please. I don’t do that stuff.”

“What do you mean ‘that stuff?’ What’s wrong with playing around a little?”

“Nothing, if you’re into that kind of thing.” I tried to sound dismissive.

“Jeez. So judgmental.”

“I’m not judging you, Miles, I’m just saying I’m not into the freaky stuff the way you are.”

“I bet you’d like it. I bet there’s a little freak in you just dying to get out.”

My stomach flipped. “What? Don’t be ridiculous. I’m a normal person.”