It looked like something out of a magazine.
She hadn’t stopped since we’d arrived, continuing to move things around on the built-in bookshelves until she’d gotten things just right.
I plopped down on the couch and watched her do her thing.
Seeing it all come to life with her design was next level.
“Damn. This looks fucking amazing, Jeege. You are unbelievably talented.”
She turned to look at me, the corners of her lips turning up. “Thank you. I thought I’d be here until the sun came up, but we’re almost done. This is unbelievable. Thank you so much for bringing everyone over. How did you even know I’d need help?”
“Maybe I did it for selfish reasons.” I tugged her down onto my lap, wrapping my arms around her. “Maybe I wanted to make sure you were in my bed tonight.”
She tipped her head back. “Thank you, Bear. You always know what I need.”
“Yeah?” I leaned down and nipped at the lobe of her ear. “And what do you need right now?”
She sighed, and her warm breath tickled my cheek. “Let’s go home and take a shower together.”
“I could get on board with that. But I’m feeding you first because you never ate your sandwich.”
She tipped her head back and chuckled. “What did I do to deserve you?”
“Exist. That’s all you ever have to do.”
And I fucking meant it.
Her eyes were wet with emotion, and she looked away briefly, as if everything we were feeling was too much.
Hell, I understood it, because I felt it too.
Somewhere along the way, our relationship had shifted.
And once again, the timing wasn’t right for us.
I sipped my coffee after taking the last bite of French toast at the Cozy Griddle with Brody and Bass.
“So what’s the plan here, brother?” Bass asked, one brow raised.
“The plan with what?” I looked between them, because they were both staring at me with concern.
“Ummm…the woman who lives with you. Your best friend and now lover,” Brody chuckled.
I rolled my eyes just as Stanley, who owned the café with his wife, Margo, walked over to the table with a pot of coffee. “Refill?”
“Please. Apparently, I’m going to need it for this conversation.” I blew out a breath as the older man topped me off.
“Where’s your girl? She’s much better company than these two,” Stanley said with a smirk.
“Hey, I’m great company,” Bass snipped.
“Well, you’re not as pretty to look at.”
“We can’t argue that one.” Brody shrugged.
“Leave these boys alone and let them be,” Margo said as she swatted a towel at her husband.
“Just saying. He doesn’t look this grumpy when he’s with Gracie.” Stanley followed his wife back into the kitchen.
