Feeling the mood lighten for the first time since I pulled into the driveway, I wiggle my eyebrows and taunt, “You can try.”
CHAPTER 4
PROVIDENCE
The sound of the shower running and the scent of coffee and Tony’s soap—fresh mint and cedar—pulls me out of my dream. Light peeks through the slats in the blinds as my eyes blink open. At first, I can’t figure out where I am; then yesterday comes flooding back.The house. It baffles my mind how such an intelligent man can make such crazy choices.
As I look over, the bathroom door opens and Tony steps into the bedroom fully dressed and holding a mug of coffee.Huh. I thought he was off until tomorrow.
A smile crinkles the edges of his eyes when he sees mine open and staring at him. “I hope I didn’t wake you. You looked so peaceful.”
“You didn’t.” I don’t tell him that the smell of coffee works as well for me as any alarm clock. I don’t want him to feel bad. We’re still getting used to coordinating our schedules even after a year. The Navy makes it hard to plan much. “I’m just awake. But I thought you had off today.”
I sit up and lean back against the headboard, dragging my fingers through the tangled mess of bed hair, as he sits downnext to me. Unable to help myself, I lean forward to sniff his coffee.
He chuckles and holds the mug out to me. “Want some?”
“You know I don’t like it black. I needs some sugar at least,” I grumble, not irritated about the coffee, but still feeling the residual anger over the house purchase behind my back.
“One Providence Special coming right up,” he says, then kisses my forehead before disappearing into the hallway.
It’s really hard to stay mad at him when he’s so damn sweet. I know he had the best intentions, but I can’t deny the niggling irritation over his taking control. I’m not even sure why it bothers me so much. I stifle the urge to growl. It’s not like I didn’t want this place.
I toss back the covers, sliding out of bed and heading to the bathroom. After peeing, I groan at the sight of my hair. The brush is right where I left it last night, and as I drag it through my hair. The large mirror displays the entire bathroom and reminds me why I fell in love the first I walked in here. It was a major selling point, for sure. And that shower last night? It was freaking amazing. Just thinking about it makes color rise in my cheeks.
I love when he takes control during sex, not that I’d ever admit it. Although he’s probably figured it out. Which makes me wonder why it bothers me so much when he acts controlling everywhere else? Is it because I’ve been on my own, making my own decisions for so long?
After forcing my hair into submission, I brush my teeth. Tony’s already waiting when I come out. He’s holding my favorite mug—the one that says badass in enormous block letters—cradling it in his hands like a peace offering. I suppose on some level he feels like it is.
My feelings soften at the worried look in his gaze and his pursed lips. “Thank you, honey,” I say as I take the proffered coffee.
“My pleasure, sweetheart. Did you sleep okay?” He sits on the edge of the bed, looking like he’s ready to bolt at a moment’s notice.
“Of course. I don’t think it’s possible not to on this mattress. I miss it whenever we’re away.”
His chuckle warms my insides. This isn’t the time to get gooey over him. He’s dressed, obviously planning on going into the office. I want to know why, since we were supposed to spend a few more days at home.
“You’ve got that right.” He nods and runs his fingers through his hair
I have to fight the urge to fix it. I love the feel of his hair between my fingers. Fuck. Who am I kidding? I just love the feel of Tony under my fingers, in my mouth… Okay, I need to pull those thoughts back. “Did something happen since you’re dressed for work? I thought we were going to be home today.”
His eyes meet mine. It would be easy to get lost in his leaf-green eyes. Instead, I narrow my gaze over the edge of my coffee cup.
“Yeah, we finally tracked down that trafficking cell in Baltimore. Mike texted me while I was getting dinner ready. I’m sorry I forgot to mention it.” He truly looks disappointed to have to leave. Our alone time is so limited that we fight for every minute.
“I get it. Are you taking your go-bag?” Internally, I cross my fingers, hoping he’s just going into the office and not actually hunting already. There feels like too many unresolved things to discuss still.
“I am. The team has been trying to get a bead on their location for the last two months. We can’t afford to let ourchance slip away. From everything we uncovered they have a new shipment of women coming in today at the Port. That part I found out this morning, though. Last night I thought it would be a quick trip into the office. I’m so sorry, baby.”
The coffee I’m enjoying turns to acid in my stomach. I don’t know what’s going on with me. He’s gone on countless trips without me. Why does it feel like something horrible is about to happen if he walks out that door?
“I’ll call you when we get to Baltimore. Wil you be okay here? You can always call Tempest to come over.”
I nod, because what else can I do. It was a joint decision to start Knights Kidnap, Random & Rescue. After we uncovered the traffickers at the nail salon, it opened our eyes to how bad the issue was. No one deserved to have their life stolen from them.
“She’s working today. It’s okay. I am more than capable of being on my own.”
“I didn’t mean that…”
