This time, Faye can’t contain her low laughter.
Christ, I can’t win for losing on this front.
Rolling my eyes, I quickly spit out, “Hey now… Don’t be kickin’ a gift horse in the mouth,” I warn. “If you want me there within the hour, I’d better get movin’.”
“Okay… Okay…” Sloane’s laughter is barely contained. “I still can’t believe you’re not up and moving. This must be a record for you to sleep in this late.”
Looking at Faye, who’s giving me the she’s got you there look, I can only shake my head.
My silence prompts Sloane to playfully add, “I wonder if pigs are flying somewhere.”
Locking eyes with my reason for letting Sloane get the best of me, I shrug. “Miracles do happen.” Before Sloane can make anything of it, I quickly add, “See you in a bit, Sloane. Tell Jax I’ve got you both covered and to just take care of business.”
“Love you, Dad.” She sighs into the phone.
“Love you, too, kiddo. Now, get moving.” Not sure which of us needs that reminder more, but as I look at Faye, I’m hoping I can make some of the next hour count.
With a laugh, Sloane disconnects the call.
Turning my attention to the beautiful woman beside me, I give her by best apologetic smile. “Sorry about that.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry for, Mark.”
“I was hoping to spend more time with you today,” I admit.
“It’s not a problem.” Reaching for my hand, she quickly squeezes it. “Besides, some of us aren’t retired and still have to work.”
“Can I at least make you some breakfast before I go?” I offer as consolation.
Glancing at the clock, she asks, “Do you have time?”
“It might not be elaborate, but I can whip us up some eggs and toast.”
“What about a shower?” she points out.
“As in you’d rather shower than eat?” I could get on board with that.
Shoving my shoulder, she sighs. “No, you insatiable fool… You and I both know if we showered together, there’s no way you’ll get there on time. I meant, do you need to shower?”
“That takes seven minutes, tops,” I point out.
Rolling her eyes, she snorts. “You are such a guy.”
“That includes getting dressed,” I add for good measure, puffing out my chest.
“Yeah… I could never do that.”
“I’ll tell you what… You go shower, and I’ll get dressed. Is there another bathroom I could use to freshen up in?”
Standing, I head to my dresser to grab my clothes for the day. “Since I didn’t really get around to giving you a proper tour of the place, you can use this one and do whatever you need, and I’ll use the one down the hall. If you turn right out of my door, it will lead you to the stairs. I’ll meet you in the kitchen. Coffee is on a timer, so help yourself to some if I’m not there when you arrive.”
Needing to taste this gorgeous woman again, I quickly return to where she’s propped against the headboard and kiss her once more.
Well, that was my intention.
The moment our lips touch, desire rushes through me, and it feels as if I’m kissing her for the first time all over again. It doesn’t matter that we spent the entire night exploring every inch of one another, and I lost track of how many times we made each other come. My need for her is stronger than ever. It’s like she’s put a spell on me, and all sense of the world beyond us disappears.
In all too short a time, she breaks our kiss, and her beautiful laughter fills the room.
