“That’s good.” He nodded and began to eat.
My thoughts turned to Morgan. Seeing the change in him last night from shy to…well… not so shy, had made me see him in a new light. My pulse quickened and I pressed my legs together. I felt heat rising from my chest into my neck. I picked up a slice of toast and nibbled on it, trying to give me something else to focus on.
Using his toast to soak up the tomato juice, Jonathan paused before asking, “You okay?” He narrowed his eyes at me.
“Yeah, just wiped out, I think.” I dropped the toast to my plate and instead, focused on my coffee once more.
“There’s a new man, I take it?” Jonathan grinned at me, wiggling his eyebrows, whilst stuffing a piece of bacon into his mouth.
“What? How did you?... Lauren texted you, didn’t she?” I shook my head in disbelief and grinned.
“She did, but only to check if you were okay.” Jonathan put down his cutlery and studied me. Tilting his head to the side, he placed his elbows on the table and interlocked his fingers. “Are you okay?”
“I think so. It’s weird that he’s Kate’s son, right? he’s so nice, and I don’t know if I’m ready for another relationship,” I blurted out. I felt my face burning up and I quickly looked away from him.
“Wait. The new guy is Morgan? Lauren just said a new guy.” Jonathan looked at me with wide eyes and a big grin.
“Yeah, he’s Kate’s Morgan. He’s amazing, Jon, but I don’t know if I ever want a relationship again, and he does. He wants so much more from this than I can give.” I sighed, pressing my lips tightly together, and began to push my food around my plate.
“Look,” Jonathan started. He reached across the table, and I took his hand. I looked up at him and fidgeted under his gaze. “There are two types of people in this world, those who need to be in relationships and those who don’t. You are the type who is fiercely independent but loves to have someone to come home to at night, someone to love, who you can depend on. Morgan seems like a good guy; good job, smart, nice but not too nice, which is good for you, because sometimes you need someone to rein you in. I’m glad you said yes.” Jonathan smiled warmly at me, holding my gaze.
The warmth in his eyes caused me to smile back at him. “Well, I said no to a date, but we did spend time together last night.” Memories of the previous night flooded my mind, and colour stained my cheeks. “I have to go.” I didn’t want to talk about my sex life with my brother.
“Just don’t break his heart. He’ll be starting work on our house soon, and I don’t want it to fall down!” Jonathan shouted behind me.
“Har-dee-fucking-har, Jon,” I called back and slammed my bedroom door behind me.
I picked up my phone and saw an email from Nolan with the final plans for the outdoor area and a quote. I replied, agreeing to both.
Not wanting to let Kate down, I replied to her text from earlier.
A: I’ll be there soon. Do you need me to get anything for you?
K: No, just bring yourself.
I also texted Morgan back.
Last night was amazing, I’ll see you soon x
I put on a gold one piece and threw a full body wrap over it, just to cover up a little. I drove up to Kate’s house, my heart thumping and with a dry mouth. I had no idea what to say to Morgan this morning. Had I made things worse by sleeping with him? I knew he had feelings for me, but instead of standing my ground and remaining friends, I gave in and may have ruined it for us.
The little devil on my shoulder chose that moment to butt in. It did feel good being with him, though. The sex was good—no, it was out of this world—and he was perfect in every way, aside from wanting a relationship. Besides, I’d started it by kissing him back on New Year’s Eve.
Shit, I couldn’t stay out here forever. I got out of the car, locking it behind me and walked to the door.
“Please let Kate answer the door, please let it be Kate,” I said under my breath.
The door opened to Morgan’s smiling face. My heart just about stopped. If I’d been a cartoon character my eyes would have turned to love hearts and bulged out of my face.
He was topless, wearing only neon orange swim shorts. His perfect chest, abs, and delicious ‘V’ shape that disappeared into his shorts were all on show. His dark hair was a mess and not the neat style I was used to seeing on him, but I liked the ‘just out of bed’ look on him.
He looked me up and down quickly and licked his lips. Those lips that had taken possession of mine last night and….Fuck Andie, stop. I couldn’t help myself; he was so hot.
“Come in, Mum’s out back.” He stepped back for me to walk through the door and into the hallway.
He smelled different today, a fresh citrus scent. I hung my bag on the coat hanger behind the front door and walked down the hallway to the kitchen, which led out to the back, hyper aware of him walking so close behind me. I nearly squealed out loud when Morgan grabbed my waist, spun me around and kissed me deeply, his fingers digging into my hips.
“You look fucking amazing,” he said, his lips not leaving mine for long.
