Zeke responds by rolling his eyes. “It’s called saving money. Why pay when I can eat for free?”
I want to argue that he couldalwayseat for free, but I stay silent. So much has changed for him, and I know money is his sticking point. I want him to know he still has control of his life, so unfortunately, that means keeping my mouth shut at times.
Like now, as he chooses tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. In solidarity, I choose the same thing and follow him to a table in the breakroom.
“How’s your day?” he asks, bringing the spoon to his mouth.
“Good. Lots of paperwork.”
“What do you actuallydoall day?” he asks, giving me a great idea.
“Why don’t you come down and hang out with me? I’ll show you?”
He gives me a genuine laugh, and it warms my entire body.Dammit.
“Because I’m working, remember?”
“Well, that sucks,” I tease. “Want to bag out early and watch a movie at home?” I ask, suddenly desperate to be alone with him in our space. It’s amazing how much warmer that house feels with him in it, like the structure serves a greater purpose now that he’s there.
“Talon!” Zeke cries in mock outrage. “I can’t just leave!”
I give him a wicked grin. “Of course, you can. I know the owner.” I shoot him a wink, and he groans.
“Not the wink. I can’t handle the wink.”
Our interactions are definitely more light-hearted than ever, but every now and then, I catch myself, afraid I’ve done something to remind him of Derek.
Sensing my immediate regret, Zeke smiles, shakes his head, and places his hand on my arm.
Fuck, I love being touched by him.
“I meant because it’s hot. I like it,” he says, reassuring me.
See, here’s my problem. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve spent every waking second with Zeke on my mind. I wake up to him in my space, wearing my clothes, and filling my ears with his words. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m attracted to him, but I’m painfully aware that he’s still healing and will be for a while. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, too. I’m also still aware that our living arrangement is a secret, and our relationship would have to be as well—at least as long as he worked at Summit—and he deserves better than that. So, for now, I toe the line of flirting. I try to make him smile. And I pine away in silence.
“Oh. Well, why didn’t you say so?” I ask, winking again. I’m rewarded when his smile grows wider.
“Okay, movie tonight. I’ll be done at three since I’m still only doing one shift a day. Should I see if Becs can take me home?”
“Absolutely not. I’ll be ready to go by then. I’m making steak, and let’s watch Star Wars from the beginning.”
“Count me in.”
Chapter 20
Zeke
I’ve seen Talon do a lot of things since moving in with him, but watching him cook is probably my favorite. He changed into athletic pants and a T-shirt as soon as we got home from work…because he’s obviously trying to torture me.
“How do you want yours cooked?” Talon asks, while I openly stare at his ass. It’s harmless; his back is to me.
Until it isn’t.
He spins around because I didn’t answer fast enough, and suddenly, I’m staring at his crotch. I snap my gaze to his face, but the damage has been done. He caught me.
“I, uh…”Shit. What did he ask?“I like yours. I mean, however you eat yours is fine.” Smacking myself mentally, I clarify one more time. “Your steak. However you cook yoursteakis good for mine too, I mean.”
The corner of Talon’s mouth quirks up into a half-smile so fucking hot my skin sizzles.
