She swats my arm, laughing. "Rude." Her eyes fall on the steaming mug. "Though possibly forgiven if that's what I think it is."
"Black, two sugars."
"My hero." She sits up, holding the sheet to her chest with one hand while reaching for the coffee with the other. "What time is it?"
"Almost eight."
Her eyes widen. "Seriously? You let me sleep this late?"
"You needed it." I can't keep the smugness from my voice. "After last night."
A delightful blush spreads across her cheeks. "Don't look so pleased with yourself, Morgan."
"I'm very pleased with myself, Parker." I lean in, stealing a kiss that tastes of sleep and coffee. "And with you."
She melts into the kiss for a moment before pulling back. "We have lunch with Levi and Mindy at noon. And I need to shower, and change, and...”
I silence her with another kiss. "We have time."
Her eyes darken as she sets the coffee aside. "Do we?"
In answer, I pull the sheet from her grasp, revealing her completely to the morning light. She's even more beautiful than I remembered, all soft curves and sleep-warmed skin.
"Maybe a quick shower," she suggests, eyes gleaming with mischief. "To save time."
"Very efficient," I agree, already stripping off the t-shirt I'd just put on. "I like the way you think."
An hour later, we're finally dressed and heading toward the Blackwood Winter HQ building. The morning is crisp and bright, fresh snow glittering in the sunlight. We walk close but not touching, both aware of the public nature of Hope Peak's main street.
"So," she says, breaking the comfortable silence. "Are we telling people? About us?"
The question gives me pause. "I hadn't thought that far ahead, to be honest."
"The great Atticus Morgan, not thinking ahead?" She feigns shock. "Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?"
"Your best friend got distracted by this amazing woman he's been trying not to fall for." The words come easily, surprising me with their honesty.
Sloane's steps falter. "Atticus...”
"Too much?" I ask, suddenly uncertain.
She shakes her head, a smile playing at her lips. "No. Just... unexpected. You're not usually so forthcoming with... feelings."
"I'm trying something new." I bump her shoulder with mine. "How am I doing so far?"
"Not bad." She studies me, something soft in her gaze. "But you didn't answer my question. Are we telling people?"
I consider our options. The professional thing would be discretion, keeping our personal relationship separate from our business one. But the thought of pretending last night didn't happen, of maintaining distance around others, sits wrong.
"I'm not ashamed of this," I say carefully, "but I also know how quickly rumors spread in a small town. And how corporate gossip travels even faster."
She nods. "So, what? Business as usual in public, and..."
"And we figure out the rest as we go." I glance around, confirming we're momentarily alone on the snow-covered sidewalk, before catching her hand in mine. "But I'm not interested in hiding, Sloane. Not from the people who matter."
Relief softens her features. "Good. Because I'm terrible at secrets."
"I know. You told Brynn about my karaoke incident within twenty-four hours."
