“What was the first story you went out on?” she asked earlier that week. I loved the way her voice tickled my ear. It was part of the reason people tuned in to the broadcast. She had a great one.
I scratched Micky’s head and his eyes closed in surrender. We were snuggled up in my bed, he and I, enjoying the getting-to-know-more-about-each-other conversation that Carrie and I had going. “That’s easy. A local car dealership was giving away a free hundred-dollar gift card to the person who showed up in the best costume.”
“Halloween?”
“Not at all. That’s just small-town entertainment for you.”
“And who won?”
I squinted. “I feel like it was a roller-skating cow.”
“The roller skates are a nice touch. Allows for creative movement. It’s those details that matter in the snagging of gift certificates.”
“What was yours?” I asked.
“You mean all those years ago? Let’s see if I can remember.” She was teasing, of course. “Carjacking. A two-year-old was in the back seat when the guy took off in it.”
“Wait. That was your first story? I get roller-skating cows, and you’re already Ms. Cutting Edge News? How is that possible?”
“I got lucky, I guess. So did the two-year-old. Safe and sound.”
“Glad for that part. Still in awe of your career path.”
“Oh, I’m not sure you should be jealous. It was almost like being thrown to the wolves to see who survives. I think I got pulled into my news director’s office and screamed at at least once a week back then. Learned very quickly not to let her see me cry.”
“Still. It worked.”
“Eventually. I learned on the job. I screwed up a lot but always got back up. I watched the other reporters, learned their tricks and the things that got them praise.”
“I try to do that. It’s possible I’ve been watching you, too. For reasons other than the obvious flat-out lust factor.”
“That goes both ways, that factor.”
I grinned. “But seriously, you’re so damn good at your job. The best I’ve ever seen. I’d be an idiot not to take notes.”
A pause. “I’m glad someone thinks so.” There was a shift in the timbre of her voice. She’d alluded to criticisms from the station higher-ups in the past.
I wondered what her face was doing. I longed to touch her cheek. “Why would anyone not think so?” I asked.
I heard her exhale. “According to them, I’ve been around a while, which means I’m old.”
I frowned. She was anything but that. “That’s the most insane thing I’ve ever heard you say.”
“Well, think about it. The other stations in town have younger anchors, and when the ratings take any kind of a dip, I’m called in as the culprit and my image is revamped.”
“Like the racier top.”
“Or how they want me to lose ten pounds.”
“From where? Seriously.” I thought about her trim frame. It would be impossible.
“Thank you for saying that. I don’t really see it ending, so it’s part of my life now. Unless I eventually lose my job.”
“No, no, no. Your job would never be in question.”
“Just my soul. I’m going to be in lace-up boots and a halter top before this thing is over.”
A pause. I hated that sex appeal had anything to do with reporting news. “This business can be brutal. I haven’t been in it as long, but I know that much.”
She exhaled. “Why do we do it again?”
“The thrill of the story. Is there anything like it?”
“Nope. I can’t argue.”
“Now tell me your favorite movie. No. Your top three.”
We went on like that each night that we were apart and tore each other’s clothes off each night we were together. I kept waiting for her body to become something I was used to, but it had yet to happen. Being with Carrie was just as exciting as the first time. The bonus was now I knew how to touch her, what made her come alive, and what each of her sounds meant.
“What am I going to do with you?” she asked late one night as I lay in her arms, against her chest. She stroked my hair in that unique way that was all her, soft, relaxed, and perfect. Like she’d practiced it. At the same time, I knew neither one of us had practiced for the other. I could see as much in the way she often looked at me, like this wasn’t real. Like I might break to pieces in her hands. “You came on the scene and changed everything.”
I lifted my chin and looked up at her. “Change can be good.” I narrowed my gaze playfully. “It’s good change, right? Not like when the garbage goes bad?”
She shook her head, mirth tugging at her mouth. “I can’t believe your reverse simile involves garbage. Only you, Skyler.”
I squeak-gasped. “Caroline McNamara of news fame. I’m a hard-hitting reporter, hell-bent on facts, and want to make sure that my presence is longed for, wanted. Can you confirm?”
She softened and cradled my face. “I can. Your breasts and presence are longed for daily. Please don’t go anywhere. What would I do without this skin? That smile?”
I took out my imaginary microphone. “Is it also a fact that you enjoyed tonight and the things we did to each other?”
“It is, Skyler.” Her voice took on the energy of an excited witness at a scene. “I have to say that tonight was a new level.” She wasn’t wrong. God in heaven. When she’d taken me from behind, I was pretty sure I’d met him, and Santa Claus, too.
“Care to elaborate?”
“Always, Skyler. It seems the way you used your mouth is extra-compatible with the kinds of things that turn me on. Then again, everything you do with your mouth is. Have you seen yourself eat ice cream? It’s something to cherish.”
“I haven’t, Caroline,” I said with my best news voice. “But I will purchase a mirror and get back to you. From Carrie’s sexy love bed, this is Skyler Ruiz.”
“Damn right it is,” she said and captured my mouth, sliding on top. I allowed her hips to settle between my legs, my body wonderfully wide-awake again.
“You’re wet,” I whispered, pressing up against her.
Her eyes closed and her lips parted as I held our contact. “It just so happens that your reporting does that to me.” She rocked her hips against me. So sexy. “Think about this the next time you’re on a live shot.”