Bet Me Up
Energy for Later
Chapter Two
Simon paid the pizza delivery man and was about to close the door when a foot prevented the door from shutting. “Look, I bloody told you that twenty percent tip is more than enough, so bugger off -” He swung open the door, interrupting his rant, only to come face to face with an amused Paula. “You’re early.”
“You’re grumpy.” She pushed her way past him, shouldering a duffle bag.
His eyes first roamed her curves and then rested on the bag that she casually placed near her shoes. “What, are you planning my execution now?” He lightly kicked the bag, estimating the contents and their purpose. “Been watching Joe Pesci movies of late?” He flashed her a cheeky grin.
“What?” Her hands flew to her hips, confusion running rampant, laced with humour.
“Eight Heads in a Duffel Bag?” He chuckled. “Though I see you more of the David Spade type - y’know, like a yippy gremlin or something.”
Paula rolled her eyes, and snatched the pizza box from his hands. “Mm, vegetarian.” She glanced at him, eyes travelling up and down. “Diet time?”
He raised his eyebrow at her smirk, and walked over towards his kitchen counter. “Yeah - wanted to make sure you’re sticking to your regime.” He laughed, patting her tight stomach. He cringed, feeling her hand come into contact with his shoulder. “You’re lucky I haven’t filed for battery charges.”
“Shut up - you probably like it rough!” She jested, taking a slow bite of the pizza, savouring the taste.
Simon stood still, staring at her devour a slice with a sensuality he had never associated with food. “You’re enjoying that way too much.” He muttered, slightly irked at himself to be so smitten with a woman.
Paula slowly glanced at him, wagging her eyebrows. “As were you.” She made a loud kissy sound before placing another pizza slice on a plate and heading towards the lounge area.
“Make yourself at home.” He called out sarcastically, getting a slice for himself. He tucked a bottle of red wine under his arm and picked up two glasses before following her lead.
They settled themselves on the floor, sitting between the couch and the coffee table. He was about to sit down when an empty plate was thrust in his direction. “Gawd, you’re consuming food like a whale - what are you, eating for two?” He muttered jestingly, heading back towards the kitchen, happy to hear her giggle at his comment.
When he came back with a fresh slice of pizza for her, he noticed his empty plate and big brown puppy dog eyes staring back at him. “You ate my pizza?!” He sat down, taking a bite of the slice in hand.
“It was getting cold...” She replied sheepishly.
They stared at each other for a moment before they burst out laughing. “You’re a riot.” He shook his head, turning on the television. He pressed play on his VCR and the two prepared to watch previous auditions. “So why exactly –are– you eating so much - are you well?” Concern was evident in his voice.
Paula smiled, touched by tone. She leaned in, mouth close to his ear, loving the way he shivered when her breath hit his neck. Her whispers spawned a curiosity as her words voyaged on her deep exhalation, “energy for later.”
–TBC–