I Know Lucy (A Fugitive #1)(40)

Her teeth popped over her bottom lip as she sliced a carrot into thin strips.

“Like this?” She pointed with her knife.

“Perfect, my little assistant.” AJ beamed, kissing the side of her head like a father would.

She laughed and pushed him away with her elbow. “So what else are you gonna put in there?”

“I’m thinking garlic, a little oyster sauce, a touch of salt. It doesn’t need much, the vegetables speak for themselves and dad gave me a really nice cut of beef.”

I leaned against the open doorway, watching them work. AJ was humming some operatic piece, making Dani grin. As if sensing my gaze, she glanced at the door and her face lit up. It was like looking at sunshine and I couldn’t help but smile back.

“Hey, you feeling better?” The way her soft voice lilted over the words, sounding genuine with concern, broke some of the hardness I’d been carrying around all day.

“Yeah, nothing a nap couldn’t fix.” Now who was the liar? “Sorry I’m late.”

She just smiled, her blue eyes dancing as if seeing me looking better was the best thing that could have happened to her today. Was I just imagining this stuff? She seemed so genuinely into me sometimes and it made me want to forget about tomorrow.

“Carrots please.” AJ reached for the board, which Dani deposited into his hands. She went up on tiptoes, to watch him throw them into the wok.

The pan hissed and sizzled.

“Man, that smells good.” Dani took a slow luxurious sniff and smiled. “I’m famished.”

“Sweetie, you’re always famished.” AJ grinned.

She blushed, dropping back to her heels and patting him on the back. “Only for your cooking.”

“That’s because he’s the best.” Liesl appeared from the other doorway, wrapping her slender arm around his large waist. She looked so petite beside him. Her brown eyes sparkled as she gazed at him, their noses touching before she went on tiptoes to give him a kiss.

Dani scratched her neck and shot me a bemused smile. I rolled my eyes and beckoned her into the dining room. She followed without hesitation.

Elliot and Jaeda were already seated, Jae’s purple painted lips on overdrive.

“It’s a good idea. Everyone will like it. Don’t be such a party pooper.”

“What’s Elliot pooping on now?” I slid out a chair for Dani. Taking a seat beside her, I looked across the table at Jaeda’s delighted smile and Elliot’s droll gaze.

“Jae wants to play Trivial Pursuit after dinner.”

We were always split over the game thing. Elliot was a movie freak and would always rather be in front of a screen. Jaeda, the socialite, preferred constant interaction. She usually pushed for loud games like Pictionary and Charades, but I’d be up for Trivial Pursuit. I loved that game and couldn’t help wondering if Jaeda chose it so that I could shine in front of Dani. I was the knowledge nerd in the group. As a kid, I read encyclopedias for fun. I had every copy the Guinness Book of World records, dating back to the early ‘80s when my dad started collecting them, and my favorite channel on TV was Discovery. I tried to keep that one to myself, but my friends soon found out and I was quickly labeled a knowledge nerd. I took it all in my stride, knowing their jibes were only in fun.

After dinner they’d all be hankering to be my partner. When it came to Trivial Pursuit, they fought over me like parents in a custody battle.

*****

As usual the meal was divine. I’d never liked Asian style food before AJ made me try his beef stir-fry. I hadn’t looked back. Mom tried to pull it off once. It was a disaster. So I saved up my Asian nights for AJ. After the meal, we cleared off the table and set up Trivial Pursuit.

“I’m going with Zach.” Elliot piped up before anyone else could.

“Don’t you think Dani should get to pick first?” Jaeda gave Elliot a pointed glare.

He looked across the table at Dani, his expression dry and unreadable. “Nope. I’m going Zach.”

Dani just grinned. “Fine. I choose Liesl then.”

Liesl jumped up from her spot and nudged me out of my chair while Jaeda plopped down next to AJ. “Don’t worry.” She tapped his arm. “We’ll kick ass with the Entertainment questions.”

“Damn right, little missy.” AJ rapped the table with his knuckles then looked to his girlfriend. “Okay, darlin’ pick a color wheel.”

The game went well. We all had to explain the rules to Dani first, who had never played. We were all surprised by that one. She just blushed and said her family had never been big on board games. In spite of the fact she was Trivial Pursuit virgin, she was damn good. I knew she was intelligent before, but the game just made me like her even more.

Damn it, Trivial Pursuit.

I wanted to cancel my plans for the morning, but I knew Uncle Al would never let me get away with that. Elliot and I won after seventy minutes of play.

“Yes!” He gave me a high five and looked all smug while the rest of the table sat back with a relieved sigh.

“Finally. It’s over.” AJ started packing up the game while Liesl giggled at him and started picking wedges out of color wheels.

“Now let’s talk weekend, peeps. What are we doing?” Jaeda flicked her hair over her shoulder and leaned her elbows on the table.