Iwipe the sweat from my brow and glance at my phone again. She’s still sleeping peacefully. I stare at the screen like I’ve been doing since the moment I woke up. She’s even more beautiful in her natural state.
The sun is streaming through a window, giving her an angelic glow. I watch her lips part as her breath comes out in even little sounds. Long dark lashes frame her cheeks before fluttering and finally opening. Bourbon-colored eyes focus on me, and I feel my heart thud loudly against my chest.
“You weren’t kidding when you said you wanted to watch me sleep,” she says in a sleepy voice before brushing back her hair.
“I couldn’t help myself. You’re beautiful when you sleep.”
A blush creeps up her cheeks, and damn if that doesn’t make me feel some type of way.
“What time is it?”
“Almost ten.” I get a water bottle from the garage fridge and take a long drink.
“Ten?” She says, sitting up quickly, which is a big mistake because the sheet falls down, exposing her breasts to me.
My throat goes dry even though I just took a drink of water. She’s even more perfect out of her bra than I imagined. I lick my lips, and she must see the desire in my eyes. She quickly turns beet red and frantically pulls a t-shirt over her head.
“T00 late, little hummingbird,” I softly chuckle. “I already mentally took a picture so that I will forever remember what your gorgeous tits look like,” I grin and adjust my ball cap backward. I don’t miss the longing in her eyes as they roam over me.
Dripping with sweat and shirtless, I just finished a workout in our home gym that my brothers and I set up in the garage. I let her look, enjoying how it feels to have her eyes on me.
“Why do you call me hummingbird?” She tilts her head to the side and finally meets my gaze.
“You remind me of one,” I smile. “They love sugary treats like you do. They are flighty and ready to fly away at a moment’s notice, trusting no one. With patience, though, if you are lucky, you can slowly earn their trust enough for them to finally feel safe enough to land.”
“And if the hummingbird never lands?”
“Then I spend the rest of my days wanting something I can never have. It will be a sad, sad life for me.” I give her my best broken-hearted face, causing her to giggle.
“Such a dramatic guy,” she rolls her eyes.
“Such a stubborn little bird,” I say back, grinning as I walk into the house.
“I should get ready. I can’t remember the last time I slept until ten. It’s my first day, too. My boss is going to fire me,” she pulls the cover back and quickly gets out of bed.
“I think the last thing your boss will do is fire you. I heard he’s a great guy.”
“Yeah, I’m beginning to think that, too,” she smiles.
“I’ll let you get ready. See you in an hour?”
She nods her head. “I’ll see you soon.”
I end the call and take a quick shower before attacking a store-bought muffin.
I bet Lyla’s are better.
I grin to myself as I finish off the last bite and grab the keys to my truck. It’s time to bring my hummingbird back to where she belongs…here with me.
Half an hour later, I’m pulling into the worst part of town. Old buildings are broken down, and people are littering the streets, high on whatever they can get their hands on. I finally pull into the apartment building and stare at the chipped bricks and broken windows fixed with boards and nails.
This can’t be right. I open up our text messages and double-check the address.Shit. I’m definitely in the right place. I get out of the truck and walk down the cracked and uneven sidewalk to the front door. Of course, the knob is broken, and the door is already ajar.
Grimacing, I step inside and cringe at the peeling paint and dark, narrow hallway leading to the few apartments on this floor. I take the stairs and pray they hold my weight until I reach the second level. I notice she’s the only one with a welcome mat and a light working outside her place. I knock softly and hear several chains and locks before the door opens.
She has her hair down today, and it’s the first time I’ve seen it this way. Soft brunette waves fall down her back, and my fingers itch to sink into it. She’s wearing faded jeans and a white tank top, giving me a glimpse of what I saw this morning.
“Hi,” she smiles shyly, opening the door wider for me to come in. She seems nervous as I walk into her tiny living room. I can tell she did her best to brighten up the place. I see a couple of plants on the windowsill and colorful rugs on the floor hiding the worn-out tiles. The kitchen is open to the living room, and there is barely enough space for two people in it at the sametime. My size and height make me feel out of place in such a confined area.
