Page 28

Bruce

I settle into bed, waiting for her, unable to sleep because she isn’t on the sofa. This is our silent agreement. The kiss came as a shock, but the potent connection glaring to both of us, I realized her internal struggle was for Jonah's sake, a battle I should be waging too, but the deepest part of my soul, I undoubtedly knew that I’d fully experienced the kiss of the one.

Our kiss tonight lingers with the warmth of her lips, confirming my thoughts, yet it’s still uncharted territory for me, even as my whole being wants to conquer it.

After she fled, I paused to consider the situation, realizing there’s no solution that wouldn’t require a conviction from me. When she finally appeared to pause at the door, I spoke up.

My voice cut through the stillness, a signal for her to get on the sofa, I remain in my bed and we can both feign sleep. I tried not to toss or fight my pillow till I eventually drifted asleep.

When my eyes flutter open and I turn, there she is, a comforting presence.

No other woman has ever possessed this much power over me like she does. I realized that lately, my new morning routine involves watching her sleep peacefully, and each time, a fierce protective instinct surges within me, like I must keep her peace. I didn’t understand why I kept getting that overwhelming emotion of wanting to protect her at all costs. Now I do. My whole being is claiming her.

Fuck Jonah, she's essential to me, warmth on a cold day, my apricity.

I get out of bed and move quietly to the bathroom. By the time Ice arrives, I’m in the kitchen making coffee.

“Good morning, boss.”

“Morning, Ice.”

“Where is Lexi?”

“Still sleeping, I guess,” I say, drinking my coffee silently, which is odd because Ice and I always talk. But when you know you are committing a cardinal sin, guilt makes you keep your mouth shut. I get up without a word and head to my office. I know when Chef arrives and when Lexi joins because the laughter is boisterous. I like hearing her laugh without care.

I soon join them and grab breakfast while avoiding eye contact with Lexi. There’s tension between us, and it’s clear to the other two, but everyone is quiet.

I finish and head out without a word. She and I will discuss tonight.

Chapter seventeen

Bruce

I return home to find Lexi and Ice laughing out loud, giving each other high fives. She winks at him a few times. Jealousy hits like a savage wrecking ball. I’m quiet as I watch them laughing uncontrollably at the movie they are watching. I want to punch Ice, but I manage to restrain myself.

“Hi, Bruce,” she yells at me. I smile at her and serve a scowl for Ice, who’s quick to catch my look and stops laughing.

“What’s going on?” I sternly ask.

“Nothing, we were just watching a movie,” Ice answers with a chuckle.

“Oh Bruce, it was hilarious.” She’s still giggling.

“Enjoy,” I say, turning toward my office.

“Boss, is it okay if I go?” Ice calls out.

Without a pause or a turn, I respond.

“Leave now.” I need his ass gone before I say something I’ll regret.

“Goodnight, Lexi, and don’t touch the puzzle or watch anything without me. Tomorrow, you, me, and chef can make more of that puff puff.” I hear him say to her.

“Only if you promise to let me have your sprinkles,” she replies, and I hear a laugh from Ice, which grates on my nerves.

“Alright, Lexi, I promise.”

“Good. See you tomorrow, Ice.”