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I head back out into the living room and look over at Izzy. “Brett told me to come to the door.”
“Why?” Izzy says, looking up from another spoonful of ice cream.
“No clue.”
I walk to the front door and open it. My jaw drops when I see Brett standing there. He’s got a box in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.
“Croissants and coffee, my dear.”
“For me?” I’m surprised.
“For you and Izzy and Lucia if she’s home.”
“Oh wow. Thank you. You did not have to do that.”
“I wanted you to see how a real man—a good man—will treat you, so you know you don’t have to put up with a scrub.”
“A scrub?”
“Don’t you know the song from TLC?” he asks.
I stare at him in surprise. “I’m surprised that you know the song.”
“I wasn’t born under a rock. May I come in?”
“Sure, come on.” I look down at my oversize pajamas. “I’m not ready for the day yet.”
“No worries.” He shrugs. “Morning, Izzy. I have breakfast and coffee for you.”
“Morning, Brett,” she calls out. “Don’t mind me. I’m just eating ice cream for breakfast. But I will definitely have a coffee.”
“Okay then. So, here’s your coffee. I think you said you like cappuccinos, right?”
“I do. Thank you.” I grab the coffee from him and sip. It tastes absolutely divine. “Oh, thank you. This is really good.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I’m going to go in the shower now,” Izzy says, taking her spoon and placing it in the sink and then putting the rest of her ice cream carton in the freezer. “You guys have a good day.”
“You too, Izzy,” I say. I turn to Brett. “Why are you here?”
“I already told you why I’m here. Aren’t you happy to see me?”
I stare at him in confusion. He grabs my hand and pulls me toward him.
“You look like you just woke up.” He runs his fingers through my messy hair and grins down at me.
I bite down on my lower lip because I don’t know what to say. “The bet’s over.”
“It’s not over till I say it’s over.” He grins and runs a finger down the side of my face and then pulls me into him.
“Brett, what are you doing?” My voice is barely a whisper, and my entire body is trembling. I feel him place his lips on my neck and kiss me lightly. “Are you coaching me, or are you trying to tease me?”
“Which one do you think?” he says as he pulls back. His eyes are glittering as he stares down at me, and there’s a wicked smile on his face.
“I honestly don’t know.”
“I think you do.” He presses his lips against mine softly and then pulls back. “I’m a gentleman, Rosie. I always act in good faith.”