I offer a half-smile before she hugs me goodbye.
The next hour, I finish up the laundry, unload the dishwasher, and take a long shower to unwind for the rest of the day. A long binge session ofThe Bearis calling my name.
But as I’m about to hit the play button, I hear a knock on my door, which is strange, as the doorman would normally call up. Pickles decides that he needs to act the part and actually jumps off the couch and attempts to run to the door.
Following, I glance down to ensure I’m halfway decent. I’m in Piper’s original pajama bottoms and a tank that stops at my midriff. Meh, it will have to do. I wrap my cardigan tighter around my body.
Opening the door, excitement hits me in a wave, but I play it cool because Spencer is standing on the other side of the door, leaning against the frame with a faint grin on his lips. His coat is open to reveal his jeans and dark fitted sweater.
“Surprise,” he informs me with a piercing gaze.
My hands find my hips. “Indeed, a shock.” My voice remains calm and even.
“Aren’t you going to invite me in?”
“For the guy who probably paid off the doorman and then showed up while I’m in my pajamas?”
He takes a step forward through the doorway, ignoring my feigned attempt to prolong our front-door conversation. “I don’t think I’ve ever complained about your pajamas before, so no issue.” Spencer walks into my apartment, looking around curiously. He drops a small overnight bag to the ground.
Pickles’ tail wags as he remembers Spencer. He sniffs once then returns to the living room.
Closing the door lazily behind me, I scoff a sound of utter amazement as Spencer confidently walks in as if he owns the place. It’s not even arrogance, it’s a swagger that I’ve learned is a natural part of his personality.
“You know it’s rude to invite yourself in.”
He takes hold of my hands, interlaces our fingers, and gives me a tug in his direction. “I’m sure you would have.”
“What brings you by?” We didn’t have it on the calendar to see one another again until next weekend. I was going to drive up to Lake Spark because it's just easier with Hadley.
“My publicist needed to reschedule a meeting for tomorrow morning, so I thought I would surprise you.”
My lips curl into a smile. “Guess I’ll have to cancel my Sunday-night date.”
“Funny.” He pulls me tight to his body. “If you don’t mind, I’ll be crashing here tonight.”
I tip my chin up. “Oh, will you now?”
Spencer growls as he plants his lips on mine to kiss me hello. It’s soft but by no means weak. Pulling away, he touches the tips of our noses. He’s being… sweet.
“Where's Hadley?” Finding a babysitter hasn’t been easy.
“My mom is watching her and taking her to school tomorrow.”
I loop my arms around his middle. “I see. We’ll have to order in for dinner; I’m not in the mood to cook.”
His eyes haven’t left me. “Sounds good. We’ll order later from that new Italian place. They don’t deliver, but they owe me a favor.”
“I might kind of like you because of that. Later? We have other plans first?”
Spencer chuckles and slides my cardigan off one shoulder, dragging the strap of the tank top and bra down to reveal bare skin. He kisses me on the curve then trails a line of kisses up to my neck. “It’s my first time here, but I think I have an idea of where we need to go.”
In one swift move, he lifts me up and throws me over his shoulder, fireman style. I squeak and squeal as he carries me to my bedroom.
Throwing me onto my mattress, he moves over me with a sly grin, and I can’t wait. My lips search for his, and I kiss him.
Then I urge him to roll over, taking me with him. Our lips tease, and we smile against one another’s skin.
“I think you’re happy with my unexpected appearance,” he rasps, kissing my jawline.
