“Thanks for the heads-up.” At least Liv was still asleep, and he could break the news to her before she found them herself. Although, he wasn’t looking forward to the conversation.
Matt wasn’t stupid. Even though she hadn’t said it, he knew she’d been reluctant to go anywhere in public with him because she was worried about pictures of them on social media. He’d hoped that if they started going places together where large crowds were unlikely, she’d see that while it might happen, it wasn’t an everyday occurrence. It was just bad luck that it happened during their outing yesterday.
“How did you meet her? Aren’t you in Maine?”
“I am.” Matt grabbed the toast and added two slices to each plate. “Actually, we’ve known each other for years. Her brother was my college roommate and the reason I first came to Orchard Harbor.”
“Interesting.”
There was no mistaking the curiosity in Adam’s voice, and Matt understood the reason for it. The last time he’d dated a woman who wasn’t either a model or an actress had been in college.
“How does her brother feel about you two being together?”
“I’m not sure he knows.” At least, Matt hadn’t told him. As far as he was concerned, it wasn’t any of Owen’s business. And if Liv had told her brother, she hadn’t mentioned it to him.
“Well, if he didn’t before, he probably will soon. Assuming you two are still friends, you might want to call him before he finds out thanks to CHAT,” Adam replied. “If any of my friends were involved with Tory, I would’ve wanted to find out from them, not a picture on social media. And depending on the friend, I would’ve had an issue with them being together.”
“I’ve met some of your friends, and I would’ve had an issue if they dated Tory too,” he said as he put the dirty pan in the dishwasher. His cousin Tory was more like a sister.
“I wouldn’t talk. Your friends aren’t all saints either. Since we’re on the topic, have you talked to Carter?”
Besides Liv, Adam and his fiancée were the only people he’d discussed the band’s issues with.
“No, but Jordan called me a couple of weeks ago.” He expected another call from the guy soon. Ever since Matt told them he was done, Jordan called him every few weeks and pleaded his case. Before now, he’d never realized just how stubborn Jordan could be. “Do you mind if I call you back later? I just finished cooking breakfast for us, and I’d like to eat it before it gets cold.”
After promising to call Adam back once he knew if Liv was coming with him to the wedding, Matt added two coffees to the tray and headed upstairs.
Usually, the first thing he did in the morning was open the curtains. Today, he’d left them closed when he left the room. The floor-to-ceiling windows provided a breathtaking view and filled the room with natural light. This morning, though, he’d wanted to keep the light from waking up the sleeping woman so that he could surprise her with breakfast. It had been a while since he’d woken up with a woman in his bed. And while their relationship might be new, the sight of Liv there felt right, as if it was where she’d always belonged.
After setting the tray down on a table, he sat on the edge of the bed and brushed his fingertips across her cheek. When she remained asleep, he repeated the action, only this time using his lips. In response, she rolled over onto her back and opened her eyes. Judging by her expression, it took her a moment to remember where she was.
“Morning,” Liv said as she moved into a sitting position and tucked her hair behind her ears. “Have you been up long?”
“Long enough to make breakfast. I hope you’re hungry.”
“You cooked us breakfast?”
“Last night I promised you breakfast in bed. Did you think I wouldn’t deliver?” Matt stood and retrieved the tray he’d carried up.
“I just thought it would be a bagel or a muffin with some fruit. Not this.” She gestured toward the tray he put on the bed. “You even remembered to put milk in my coffee.”
He’d seen her drink coffee enough to know she liked extra milk and two spoons of sugar, unless she was drinking iced coffee. If that was the case, she added four.
“And two sugars,” he said, handing her the cup.
“I’m impressed.” She took a sip before picking up a fork and cutting into her omelet.
Following her lead, Matt reached for his coffee first. He’d enjoyed a cup while cooking, but one was never enough in the morning.
“My cousin called this morning. He’s getting married the last weekend in July. If you’re not working, I’d love it if you’d come with me.”
An emotion he couldn’t identify crossed her face before she glanced down at her plate and cleared her throat. “I, uh, don’t know if we have something booked that weekend. If I had my phone, I could check.”
“Tell me where you left it, and I’ll go grab it.” He hadn’t paid attention to where she’d put her things when they came inside last night.
“It’s on the counter in the kitchen.”
Leaning forward, he kissed her before heading downstairs.
