It was morning when I opened my eyes. I could hear Juniper running water in the bathroom. I’d made a mess of myself like an excitable teenager. Scowling, I stumbled to the bathroom to shower and change.
When I emerged, Juniper sat at the kitchen counter with a wide smile on her gorgeous face.
“Good morning,” I said, cautiously optimistic.
“Morning, Caspian,” she said. She offered me a white cup with Mr. Fruity emblazoned on the side. “I got us smoothies since we didn’t order any groceries yesterday.”
“You’re cheerful today,” I noted.
“Yeah, I slept well,” she quipped, hopping off the barstool and holding her own smoothie up. Her cheeks hollowed as she sucked, and her lashes fluttered closed as she enjoyed the flavor.
Fuck, I want those lips sucking on me. She’s so damn gorgeous.
“Me too,” I said.
“I’m supposed to meet my sister for coffee this morning, and I feel good enough I’m not even going to let her drag me down with her shitty attitude. Are you ready to go?”
A deep male satisfaction filled my chest, spreading through my limbs all the way to my fingers and toes. Juniper felt fantastic. She was glowing with it, and I had to think it had something to do with the three orgasms I’d given her in our shared dream. I couldn’t wait to see how she looked after I did the same thing in our waking hours.
“I’m good! Let me grab my shoes,” I said, taking a drink of the smoothie. It was something tropical with pineapple and mango, and it was definitely my new favorite, whatever it was.
“Awesome,” she said, her pale hair swishing over her back as she padded to the front door.
My steps faltered for a second as I took in the shape ofher, the way she sauntered. I loved every version of Juniper I’d seen so far, but happy Juniper was by far the best.
Chapter 9
Deren and Eric
Juniper
My dreams had been filled with Caspian since he crashed into my life, but I couldn’t complain. The night before had taken a turn for the hotter, and I thoroughly enjoyed reaping the benefits. I hoped even after I freed him, the dreams would continue.
Fingers crossed!
The idea of Caspian leaving dampened my mood slightly, but I pushed the thought away. I was happy, and I wouldn’t let anything ruin it. Not even Daphne.
Slipping my shoes on, I hummed to myself. I even took Caspian’s hand as we walked down the steps and headed west to the local coffee shop.
Magic buzzed between us, and I made a mental note to try using it next chance I got. He ran his thumb over my wrist, and it sent a shiver up my spine until my shoulders tensed, forcing me to shimmy to get rid of the sparkly feeling. The hair on my arms stood on end. This selkie marriage connection was potent. Or maybe it was just Caspian himself.
I squeezed his hand when we reached the coffee shop. “Wait at the bar again?”
“Sure,” he said, leaning in and placing a kiss on my cheek.
My mouth fell open, and I touched my fingertips to the spot.
Wow.
He held the door open and ran a hand down my back comfortingly as I passed through. I peeked back at him, smiling sweetly. He winked, and it was just as appealing as the first time. My steps faltered, and he smirked as he headed toward the coffee bar.
Geez, he knows the effect he has on me.
Shaking my head, I focused on my task. Of course Daphne was late. I headed for a table and started to reach for the chair. Daphne preferred the bench with its cushion. Frowning, I hesitated. I liked the bench too. Why should I always give it up for Daphne? Smiling to myself, I moved to sit on the bench.
A server appeared with a glass in hand. “Ma’am? The gentleman over there ordered this for you.”
“Oh, thank you,” I said, instantly recognizing the iced London Fog. Accepting the glass with a smile, I held it up and took a sip.
