“I’m beginning to realize that, now that I have you.”
The softness in his eyes at my confession tells me that I have my Ev back.
“You’ll stay with me this weekend. My parents are out of town for some gala in the city. Then we can talk to Ski tomorrow and work something out. All I know is you are not going back to that house.”
His tone is firm. Final.
I kiss his cheek, hoping and praying that he feels how deeply I love him in this moment. “Okay.”
Leather and cinnamon invade my nose, and I find myself smiling before I even open my eyes. I’m in Everett Rowan’s bed, his glorious king-sized bed that feels as if you’re sleeping on a cloud. Having him wrapped around me, his warmth like a blanket of protection, he kept me grounded. The nightmares didn’t come. And for the first time in my life, not only did I sleep through the night, I slept in a bed. A real bed. Let me repeat myself, a real freaking bed. Giddiness lights inside my chest and I may or may not embarrassingly let out a little squeal of excitement.
Feeling the cool morning air through his open window, I stretch out and roll to see a note laying on his pillow.
Good morning, my Leora.
How was your first night in our bed?
I was thinking, we have never had sex in a bed. Odd. Isn’t it?
I plan to rectify that after breakfast.
When you wake up, come down to the kitchen.
Breakfast is waiting. And so am I.
– Ev
I drag myself from his cloud bed, placing my warm feet to the cold floor, and stretch my arms above my head, letting out a soft groan at being up so early. I am seriously not a morning person, but for a good cup of coffee and him, I could be persuaded. I slip on Ev’s wrinkled cotton black shirt and follow the smell of freshly brewed coffee and something else entirely foreign to my nose.
“What is that heavenly smell?”
I find Ev sitting at the island, sipping from his own coffee. Shirtless and in a pair of gray sweatpants. It is truly unfair how utterly perfect he is. His hair is messed up in an effortless way, and when I walk up to him, I can’t help but run my fingers through it and place a kiss on his coffee-flavored lips.
“That, beautiful, would be eggs benedict.” He slides over a plate and motions to the stool next to him, encouraging me to sit and eat.
"That looks delicious and all but first…" I look around for the coffee pot and hear the slide of a mug against the countertop. Ev winks at me as he sips from his own mug.
"Thank you, sir. I can't participate in any activity without this magical drink."
"Noted."
After a few sips of my coffee, I inhale the plate of English muffin, ham, and egg with a delicious sauce. The only response to such a delectable breakfast are small moans that escape as I savor my new favorite dish.
“You need to put this on your menu one day.” I say with my cheeks full. I feel like a chipmunk, harboring food for when it’s not as plentiful.
“Do I?”
“Most definitely.” Swallowing my food, I take him in as he does me.
"What other ideas do you have for my restaurant?" He turns to face me fully, placing his hands on my legs, leaning in and stroking my skin with his thumbs.
"Me? Umm. I don't know."
"Yes, you. Close you eyes and imagine our restaurant. What do you see?"
"You know I don't like this game." I say as I roll my eyes and shove another bite of this deliciousness in my mouth.
"Indulge me." He pushes and I relent.
