Home Is Where You Are

by Melissa Grace

“Oh shit.” I brought the car to a stop in the parking lot. “Are you gluten-free?” After she’d mentioned her bakery earlier, I thought for sure she’d be down for some donuts, and these were my favorite. Every time I was in a city with a Krispy Kreme, I had to have them. “Or on a low carb thing or…” “No, it’s not that.” She covered her face with her hands, her shoulders shaking with laughter. “I love donuts, but I thought—” A fit of giggles ripped through her, and it was so damn cute. I found myself laughing along with her, even though I had no clue what the joke was. She removed her hands, and even in the dim lighting of the parking lot, I could see that her face had turned pink. Her eyes glistened with tears as she tried unsuccessfully to stop laughing. “I didn’t think this was where we were going,” she choked out. “I kind of freaked out for a minute there. Whew. Crisis averted.” I chuckled, still completely confused, as I watched her entire body vibrate with laughter. That’s when I saw it. Pink neon lights glittered in my rearview mirror advertising the Lion’s Den Adult Entertainment Store. Oh. My. God. “Wait. You thought I was taking you to the sex shop?” Warmth rose to my cheeks, and I roared with laughter. She nodded and pressed her lips together, unable to meet my gaze. Slowly she turned to look at me and nodded, causing us both to dissolve once again. “It’s because I heard that ‘hostile kitty’ comment, huh?” I raised my brow at her. “Oh, fuck.” She covered her face o...