Not thinking dirty thoughts. Not thinking dirty thoughts.
I glance up at her.
She’s licking sugar off her finger from a muffin.
Okay. Well. We’re fucked.
“You sure we’re good? Seems like you’re acting a little weird today.”
“Oh, no. I’m great. Never been better.” I pause. “So did you figure out what you’re going to do for work or or your new career?”
She tilts her head, curious. And yeah, okay, maybe a little smug. She knowssomething’soff.
I scramble the eggs with extra aggression.
“Nope. No big career epiphanies,” she says. “Just excited about eggs. Big fan of…breakfast protein that comes from nutrients. I tried having a shake, but protein powder isn’t the same.”
I smirk. “Right.”
I plate the eggs and slide one over to her like it’s a peace offering. She forks into them and takes a bite.
“Oh my God,” she says, chewing slowly. “These are actually really good. Like…infuriatingly good.”
“Infuriatingly?”
“Yeah. Because now I have to like you a little.”
I arch a brow. “Just alittle?”
She points her fork at me. “Don’t push it.”
I lift my coffee mug and take a sip, giving her the most innocent look I can manage. “So, uh…no plans today?”
She sighs, leaning back. “Honestly, no. Just more unpacking. Journaling. Figuring out how to build a new life from the ashes of the old one. Fun stuff.”
I nod solemnly. “I respect that. Phoenix energy.”
“Exactly,” she says. “Except the phoenix probably didn’t have to deal with surprise roommates with exceptional jawlines and distracting forearms.”
I choke on my coffee.
She smirks again. “What? I didn’t sayyou.Just…in general.”
I clear my throat. “Well. Just know your phoenix vibe isn’t lost on me.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah. You’re like…hot girl rising from the flames. With incredible egg appreciation.”
She groans and puts her face in her hands. “We are not doing this.”
“What?”
“You aresonot allowed to be both hot and emotionally perceptive. It’s rude.”
I grin. She groans again, but I swear I catch the tiniest smile.
I know I might be playing with fire here, but it’s too much fun.
