Then she kissed my cheek. It was a soft, fleeting gesture that sent a ripple through me. Her lips brushed mine next, and before I knew it, I was pulling her on top of me.
She moved over me, her hair falling in long waves around her shoulders, her body illuminated by the soft glow of the dimly lit lamp. Her tiny curves were perfect, her confidence intoxicating.
I held her hips as she moved, the rhythm between us building until I couldn’t take it anymore. As I released, she fell forward onto my chest, and I wrapped my arms tightly around her, holding her close.
We didn’t say anything as we lay tangled in each other. Sleep pulled at both of us, the steady rhythm of her breathing lulling me into calm.
I really could get used to this. Now, I just needed to get the four people who mattered most to me to be okay with it too.
CHAPTER 40
THE BREAKFAST CLUB
NATALIE
The next morning, with the sun creeping in, I turned to face Will, who was still sleeping peacefully. His long lashes rested against his cheekbones, making him look serene, almost tranquil.
I decided to surprise him with breakfast in bed. Carefully, I slipped out from under the covers, trying not to wake him. After brushing my teeth and washing my face, I tiptoed back through the room, only to hear his sleepy voice.
“Hey, pretty girl. Where do you think you’re going?”
I walked over to the bed, leaning down to kiss him softly. “To make you breakfast,” I said with a smile.
“Not so fast,” he murmured, pulling me back onto the bed. I giggled as I landed against his chest.
Will laughed. “I should probably get up and brush my teeth, too, you’re the teeth police,” he said, though he made no move to leave.
I silenced his protest with a kiss, morning breath be damned. My lips trailed down his chest, then further over the ridges of his stomach, until I reached him. He drew in a sharp breath, his hands running through my hair as I took him into my mouth. The teasing was gone, replaced by a low sound that made me want to give him everything, to see him unravel for me.
When I finally came back up, his expression was tender, completely undone, as if I’d given him more than he knew how to hold.
“Good morning,” I said.
“I’ll say,” he replied, his voice warm. “Breakfast in bed, huh? I think I could get used to Saturdays at the Bradfords.”
By the time we both got up, I headed downstairs, expecting to start breakfast, only to find the coffee already brewing and the smell of bacon and eggs filling the air. Evan and Meredith were in the kitchen, cooking together. Meredith, wrapped in a robe, looked much better than she had the day before, and Evan looked just as refreshed. Were they… acting like a couple?
“Morning, you two,” I said, pouring myself a cup of coffee. I grabbed another for Will and started putting together a breakfast tray—a tray we’d only ever used once before, years ago, on a Mother’s Day when Bebe insisted on making me breakfast. That morning, I’d been served soggy cereal, burnt toast, and two sweet cards that made it all worth it.
As I thought about that memory, I wondered about the future. Would Will help my kids make breakfast someday? Was I thinking too far ahead? Or was it time to think about these things?
I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the present, arranging our breakfast on the tray and adding a small vase of flowers for a nice touch.
“Breakfast in bed?” Meredith asked, her tone teasing.
“What time do I need to get you to the airport?” I asked, changing the subject.
“I can Uber, sweetie.”
“Or I could take you,” Evan chimed in. “I’ll borrow Will’s car.”
“I’ll take you, Meredith,” I insisted.
“Okay, guys, no need to fight over me,” Meredith said with a laugh.
I told her to just text me what she wanted to do as I headed back upstairs with the tray.
When I entered the room, Will was sitting up, scrolling through something on his phone.
