It would be for her. She’d made it abundantly clear he wasn’t her type. And she deserved someone who lived a safe existence.
He turned to head back inside and caught sight of Sophie emerging from the bedroom. She was clad in short pajamas that showcased her long, slim legs, an image that momentarily scattered his thoughts.
“The shower’s all yours,” she said, her voice light as she opened the balcony doors wider and leaned casually against one. “I took a quick one, so there should be plenty of hot water left. Tomorrow, you can go first. I’ll make up the couch while you’re showering.”
Stone edged past her, careful not to make any contact that might spark another unintended magical display, and glanced over his shoulder at the couch—it was barely five feet long. “Don’t bother setting it up. I’ll make a pallet on the floor.”
“It’s no bother at all, and I was planning on taking the couch and letting you have the bed,” Sophie said, her tone both firm and accommodating.
“That’s not happening on my watch,” Stone replied.
“Because you’re a gentleman and a gentleman wouldn’t kick a lady out of her bed?” she asked.
About to agree, he recalled his need to cut any romantic notions off at the head. Both hers and his. “Because all the entries to the apartment are out here in the living room. Otherwise, I’d take that bed in a minute. I’ll sleep on the floor. I’ve slept on plenty of hard surfaces in my life.”
Not waiting for a rebuttal, he retreated to the bedroom, closing the door behind him. A groan escaped him as he leaned against it for a moment, his mind replaying the sight of her pajamas adorned with scenes from Cinderella.
Good God, even her sleepwear is whimsical.
A reluctant smile tugged at his lips. The juxtaposition of her quirky attire and his grim resolve underscored the stark contrasts in their worlds—a fairytale and a battlefield.
Chapter 18
The rich aroma of sizzling bacon and the gentle hiss of eggs coaxed Sophie out of sleep. Stretching languidly, she slipped into her house shoes and padded softly toward the kitchen, drawn by the comforting scents that now filled her small apartment.
As she rounded the corner, Sophie caught sight of Stone by the stove, dressed not in his usual attire but in what could only be described as hisboyfriend outfit—a well-fitted T-shirt paired with a cozy cardigan that somehow cemented his role as the ideal cinnamon roll hero. Isabella had done superbly pulling together a quick wardrobe for him.
“Morning,” Stone said, his back still turned as he focused on the eggs. “Hope you're hungry.”
“Starving,” Sophie replied, her voice carrying a hint of the confusion she felt. When exactly had he changed? His go-bag was still in her bedroom. Had he been in there? Had he watched her sleep? The idea made her skin tingle. She couldn’t recall a time her skin had ever tingled. Weird.
She took a seat at the kitchen table, her gaze lingering on him. He was managing to appear every bit the part of a perfect partner, which only reminded her more of their differences.
Remember, he’s no longer your type. You have a new type. An improved type. A type who doesn’t hurt the one they love. A type so sweet authors no longer feel the need to have a breakup scene in a book when the hero is one of these types.
Stone placed plates heaped with breakfast on the table and finally sat down opposite her. “So, what’s on the agenda today?” he asked, picking up his fork.
Sophie bit her lip, considering how to approach the topic. “Well, we’re visiting the cinnamon roll guy I told you about—the one from my list.”
“The one you wrote a note about? ‘Do not fall in love?’” Stone raised his eyebrow in a teasing fashion.
Sophie chuckled, a blush heating her cheeks. “Yeah, that one.”
“Then his nomination came from a named source?” he asked, before taking a bite.
“It came from Jenna Carter, an employee atNaked Runway. I’ve never met her, but I was told she’s the editor of the lifestyle section. According to Isabella, Jenna has a keen eye for genuine people and stories that resonate deeply with the magazine’s audience.”
“And why did Jenna nominate the dude?” Stone asked.
“I don’t know all the details, but basically, she was touched by his story and community spirit when she met him while on an assignment.”
Stoned eyeballed her like she had a sign on her forehead that saidliar. “So, what you’re not saying is that they dated, it didn’t work out, but she thinks he’ll be perfect for another woman.”
Sophie tried to look offended that he thought she’d lie by omission. She had simply not felt that part of the story wasrelevant. “Most of the nominees for this category have been made by exes.”
“Poor schmuck is now going to be labeled with this cinnamon roll nonsense and seriously hurt his chances of keeping his dude card at the local bar where he hangs out.”
“Oh, whatever,” she snapped. “Being a nice guy is the new James Bond. Women find them hot and lovable. It’s the perfect combination.”
