“Thank you so much for breakfast, that was seriously divine,” she sighs, patting her lips with a napkin. “I’m stuffed. I appreciate it.” She reaches over, grazing my arm with her petite hands.
“You didn’t like the eggs?” I taunt, locking my eyes on her sultry lips.
“Oh, um… okay, so maybe I’m not a big fan of eggs,” she mutters. “But I saw they were the only thing you bought at the grocery store, and I didn’t have the heart to tell you.”
I grin. “Iris, I don’t really like eggs either.” Her eyes widen in response.
“Stop, you’re kidding!” She glances at my plate, noticing I’ve barely eaten any of my eggs. She bends over in laughter.
“Next time, just let me know before I cook, okay?” I smirk, grabbing her plate, when I feel a hard smack on my back. I nearly drop her plate. He’s goading me, of course.
“Are you okay?” she asks, raising her eyebrows in confusion.
“Hate to say I told you so, but…” Kai says with a smug expression on his face. “I will say, it’s pretty cute that you both don’t like eggs.”
“Yeah, totally fine, Iris,” I answer.
“Are you, though?” Kai asks, wiggling his brows at me.
“Yes, I’mfine.” I grit my teeth without thinking, causing Iris to quirk a brow.
“Got it, so you’reextrafine,” she says, and I’m instantly cringing. I throw Kai a death glare as his smile widens. I’ve got to get better at schooling my facial expressions when talking with Kai in front of people. Especially her.
Seventeen
Iris
Considering myself a morning person would be a stretch, but if every morning felt like this one, I might be a morning person after all. Between Jasper’s disheveled morning hair and the divine breakfast he cooked for us, I’m overwhelmed—but not in a negative way. I mean, I don’t know if a man has ever cooked breakfast for me, so it’s a shame the first time it happens is with myclient, who is rightfully and justifiably in the friend zone. It’s just been a while since I spent the morning with someone in general, though. It’s something I didn’t know I was missing.
Kai and I used to spend mornings together every once in a while. We enjoyed going to Little Falls, bracing ourselvesfor long work days and sleepless nights. Little moments seem insignificant in the grand scheme of it all until you lose the person you shared them with. When those moments are all you have left, they aren’t so little anymore—they become consequential. I glance through the dining room window, taking time to admire the backyard’s greenery, when I hear a ping.
Callie
OMG, I’m sorry, I just turned my phone back on! Are you okay??
Iris
Totally fine! Can I crash on your couch for the next few days until my flooring is replaced by any chance? I’m sorry to ask.
Callie
Girl, you know you’re welcome here anytime. My sister is visiting this week though, so as long as you’re cool with splitting the couch with her, we should be good!
Splitting the couch with a friend: no big deal. Splitting the couch with a stranger: no can do. I outwardly sigh, acknowledging I don’t have a choice if I don’t want to have to pay for a last-minute hotel stay. As I’m typing a response, Jasper clears his throat. I glance at him as he’s leaning against the countertop with his arms folded.
“Everything okay over there?” He cocks a brow at me.
“Yep, couldn’t be better. Just coordinating my stay with Callie, that’s all.” I look back at my phone.
“And that’s going well?”
“Yep!” I want to tell him the truth, but I can’t burden him. I’ve got to figure this out on my own.
“Cool,” he says, heading out of the kitchen. Just before he steps out, I realize it can’t hurt to simply tell him a little more about my predicament.
“Wait,” I say, giving in to my temptation pitifully quickly. He pauses and nonchalantly leans against the hallway door frame. “Hypothetically speaking, let’s say it isn’t going well, and I am not sure if I’ll be able to stay there.”
“Well, if we’re being hypothetical here, I would ask for more information.” He stalks nearer to the bar I’m sitting at.
