Offended, Flicker jumps down and goes to her spot in the front window.
I blink several times, and when my eyes clear, I see Juliet doubled over against the counter, still giggling. She manages to squeak out, “Bless you.”
“Thanks,” I say, washing my hands, making sure to get soap under my claws.
“Hey, do you mind if I turn on the overhead light?” she asks. “It’s hard to measure everything precisely with just dim lamps.”
“Oh, of course.” I actually hate the overhead lights, which are too severe for my eyes, but in this moment, when she’s finally happy again, I’d give her anything she asked for.
JULIET
I swing downstairs to Harmony Hardware on my way to work. I’m pretty sure Gabe will have exactly what I need. During our baking adventure, I got the chance to suss out Spenser’s apartment. It’s cozy and masculine, and my perusal of the pantry confirmed that he does like plain foods—I saw a lot of pasta and oatmeal.
I also saw some of his books, and to my surprise, there were a ton of westerns. I never would have guessed.
However, there was one thing that was definitely missing, which is why I’m here.
“Hey, Juliet!” Gabe greets. “I haven’t seen you in a while. Everything going good?”
I can’t help but smile at him. He’s so open and friendly, so…affable. His personality has definitely rubbed off on Maggie, who’s a lot more relaxed and jokey than she used to be.
“Yeah, all is well,” I tell him. “I do need something, though, and I’m hoping you have it.” I explain what I’m looking for and he helps me find the exact right items.
While we’re looking, my text alert dings. It’s another message from Braeden, who’s been reaching out more and more. All the same thing. Never “how are you?” or “I hope you’re well.” Just a series of insistent demands to get back together.
Ugh.
“I think these are the best choice,” Gabe says, and I tune back in.
I inspect the box and nod. “Looks perfect.” I still have time before my shift, so after I pay, I run back upstairs and wrap it. If I’m giving a gift, I might as well go all out.
When I get to work, I find Jin at the counter. “Has Spenser come down yet?”
They shake their head. “Not that I’ve seen.”
“Cool, I’ll be back in a few.” I jog up the stairs to his apartment and knock.
When he answers, I literally feel my mouth drop open. He’s wearing nothing but a towel, slung low on his hips, and water droplets glisten in his black hair and in the furry spots at his neck and ankles.
Every muscle in his gray skin is on display, from the enormous biceps to the six-pack abs to the taut calves.
Holy shit.
“Juliet, are you okay? Do you need something?”
I realize he’s been speaking to me and give myself a shake. “Um, sorry. Is this a bad time?”
“Not really. I just got out of the shower. Obviously. Come on in. Just give me a minute to get dressed.”
He disappears into what I assume is his bedroom, and that’s when I notice the dumbbells on the floor. He has a whole rackof them in various weights, as well as other fitness equipment I don’t recognize.
AHA. So that’s how he stays so ripped. He must work out every day before his shift. I could tell from the way his clothes fit that he was in good shape, but seeing him nearly naked? Good heavens. My imagination didn’t do him justice at all. The man is a six-foot-five mountain of muscle.
By the time he comes back, fully clothed, I’ve nearly managed to mop up all my drool. “Sorry to just drop by like this, but I wanted to give you something.” I hand him the wrapped package.
He takes it, looking at me curiously. “A present?”
I shrug. “It’s nothing much. A little token of appreciation for your help with the cookies the other night. They were a big hit with the book club.”
