“Then will it surprise you to hear that I’m now going to ask about James and her charity?—”
“Will it surprise you to hear that I’m hanging up? Because I am.” I chuckled as I ended the call and quietly returned to my bedroom.
I was awake when Alivia stirred against the pillow and her beautiful eyes opened. My hand went to her cheek as she started to wake up a little more.
“Good morning.”
She blinked several times. “It’s morning?”
“You slept about ten hours last night.”
“I did …what?” She sat up and looked at the clock on my nightstand. “Oh my God, I did.”
“I didn’t want to make breakfast until you were up. I didn’t want to wake you.”
She pulled the blanket up to her neck and snuggled into my side. “I can’t believe I slept that long.” She yawned. “No, I take that back. I can believe I slept that long. Your bed is like a cloud, and it’s so dark in here. How are your window coverings not letting in even a speck of light?”
I laughed.
“But most of all, I know it’s because I spent the night with you.”
I wanted to be the spot where she landed. I wanted her to always feel the safest with me.
My thumb rubbed across the softness of her cheek. “God, that makes me so fucking happy.”
She nuzzled into my palm. “What’s for breakfast?”
“What does my baby want?”
“Hold on. Are you really going to cook?” When I nodded, she said, “Walker, I’m … just surprised.”
The feeling was there, in my chest. The desire to make something. The yearning to create. But I knew the reason had everything to do with her. And if I stepped into Charred, the feeling would be gone.
“For you, yes, I want to cook.”
“In that case, how about some pancakes?” She smiled, her lashes fluttering.
My brows rose. “That’s all you want?”
“I don’t know why, but that just sounds so good to me.”
I leaned into her face, putting my lips on her cheek. “How about you take your time getting up? I’ll make you some pancakes and whatever else I decide to whip up, and you meet me in the kitchen in about twenty.”
She gripped the back of my head, squeezing my hair. “See you there, Chef.” She winked.
Eden
Walker knows you guys know about Alivia and him, so you can stop having side chats and give him all the shit you want here in the family chat.
Beck
Jesus, Walker, we’ve been waiting …
Hart
Yeah, it’s about fucking time.
Colson
