“I figured I’d make breakfast,” she said.
Her voice sounded almost normal.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Wolf said with a smile.
Jane let out another happy noise, like she agreed.Jade smiled despite herself.
“Give me a minute,” she said, turning back to the stove.
When she was done, they ate at the small table.Jane was between them, happily occupied with her food, occasionally banging the spoon against the tray in a way that made both of them glance up.
Like dinner the night before, Jade wondered why it didn’t feel awkward or strange.Conversation came easier than Jade expected.Wolf and she talked about simple and comfortable everyday things.
“What are your plans today?”she asked, pushing a piece of toast around her plate.
Wolf took a sip of coffee before answering.
“Got a job later this afternoon,” he said.“Club business.”
He didn’t elaborate, and Jade didn’t push.She nodded instead.
“What about you?”Wolf asked her.
Jade shrugged slightly.
“Grocery run,” she said.“We’re running low on everything.”
A faint smile tugged at her lips.She added, “Thought I’d take Jane out, maybe stop by the bookstore after.Pick something up.”
Books were a small luxury, one she didn’t always allow herself.
“Then back here,” she added.“Rest a bit before my shift.”
Wolf nodded, like he was cataloging it.Jane made a small sound, and Wolf reached over without thinking, steadying her spoon when she nearly dropped it.
Jade watched the interaction, once again surprised by Wolf’s unexpected gentleness, how he seemed to be natural around kids.She pointed it out.
Wolf shrugged.“Some of my MC brothers and their old ladies have had kids lately.”
She let herself imagine it, Wolf being a permanent fixture in her life, and having more slow mornings like this.Jane would be laughing at Wolf, Wolf across from her or beside her.Wolf and she would have something steady and real.The thought came too easily, and stayed too long.
Jade looked down quickly, focusing on her plate.Maybe that sort of thinking was dangerous.
After breakfast, Wolf stood, gathering the plates without being asked.
“I’ve got it,” he said.
Jade blinked.“I can take care of that,” she pointed out.
“Same deal as last night—you cook, I do the dishes,” Wolf reminded her.
Jade let out a huff, but gave in.Derek never offered to wash the dishes, or help with the housework in any way.Of course, Wolf was the exact opposite of Derek.
“All right, you got a little messy,” Jade said and scooped Jane up instead.“Bath time.”
Jane responded with a delighted squeal.Wolf glanced over his shoulder as he turned toward the sink.
“I’ll finish up here,” he told her.
