“I probably have drool drizzling down my chin and God knows what’s happening with my eyes. I’m sure I look hideous. And then, there’s morning breath.” She covers her head with the sheet. “I need to escape to the bathroom to make myself presentable before you’re allowed to see me.”
I grab the sheet she’s holding onto for dear life and tug at it, revealing her expression of sheer terror. “Why do you say that?”
“I’ve never woken up next to perfection before. You may not know this, Kaz Lindström, but after last night’sah-mazingsurprise, you’re a ten. You’ve reached the status of book boyfriend extraordinaire.”
“I assume that’s a good thing?”
“Few mortal men ever achieve that status. So, yeah, it’s a good thing.”
“Damn. If that doesn’t blow my ego to mammoth proportions.” I wink.
She shoots me a gleeful grin.
“As for your concern, you look beautiful, Harley,” I say before leaning down and capturing her lips with mine. She moans as her fingers find their way to the back of my head.
My morning wood wants to salute her pussy.
I pull away from her. If we keep this up, I’ll have to chainher to my bed and spend the rest of the day having my way with her.
That’ll throw my plans up in the air. Not happening.
“I love the way you say good morning.”
“I love the way you respond to me.” I hesitate for a beat. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“On the day I came for you at your crappy apartment, we went for lunch at Craft Burgers and Brew. You mentioned your family had relocated.”
Suspicious green eyes narrow in on me.
“Yesterday, you said it would’ve been a tragedy had you followed in your parents’ footsteps. Are they dealing with gambling… drugs… or shopping addiction?”
“Um…” She shifts on the bed. “You know…” More shifting. “The perils of having a dysfunctional family.”
“I know a thing or two about that. Do you have any siblings?”
“Um…” She clears her throat. “One sister.”
“I’m sensing you two aren’t close?”
She holds my gaze for several beats. “My sister passed away not long ago.”
Shit.Sensitive subject.“I’m sorry, Harley.”
“Don’t worry about it. You didn’t know.” Sadness… or is it anger veils her eyes. Her jaw is locked tight and all lightness has dissipated from her.
Of course she’s mourning her sister. And she’s probably mourning the fact her parents have relocated, leaving her alone in New York.
You’re poking your nose where it doesn’t belong.
I change the subject. “What do you want to do today?”
“You’re not popping by Grazie Mille?”
“For the past week, I’ve lived there. I’m not going in today unless there’s an emergency.”
“Fingers crossed there isn’t one.”
