“I’ll do that.” She looks down at her phone, smiling wide.
“What are you smiling about?”
She lifts her head from her phone, placing it back on the quartz countertop.
“That was Nina,” she explains. “We planned a girls’ trip. We’re leaving Wednesday for a week.”
“Anywhere good?” I ask around a bite of pancake.
Alyssa’s eyes are fixed on my throat, and I have to smother the grin that wants to spread across my face, recognizing the heat in her eyes.
I clear my throat, and she tears her eyes away from my neck, cheeks turning a dark shade of pink as she looks anywhere but at me.
“Providence.”
I make a face, the word coming out of nowhere.
“That’s where we’re headed,” she says to clarify.
“That doesn’t sound like a fun getaway. It’s freezing there.” I take another bite of my pancakes.
“Let’s just say that it’s kind of like a job.”
I lift an eyebrow but don’t question her further. If she wants to tell me, she will.
“It’s Nina’s story to tell,” she explains. “But if she’s good with me sharing it with you, I will.” She searches my face, likely trying to determine if I’m insulted.
I’m not. I know the drill, and I can appreciate her loyalty to her friends. It’s an admirable quality. One that few people possess these days.
“Fair enough.”
She blows out a breath, looking relieved.
My eyes catch on the wall clock, seeing that it’s nearly noon. I need to run some errands before tonight, including to the dry cleaner to grab my suit. Thankfully, they’re open today until four, so I have some time.
“We’re still good for tonight, right?”
Her mouth forms an O. “Oh, shoot,” she says, and I tilt my head to the side.
“If you have other plans, it’s all good—”
She cuts me off. “Yes. I mean…no. I don’t have other plans. I want to spend New Year’s with you.”
“Why do I feel like you’re panicking?” I chuckle, watching as she looks at her phone.
“I don’t have anything to wear. I need to run to the mall today.” She stands, taking her plate to the sink.
“Leave it. I can clean up,” I say, knowing that she’s stressed.
I remember the days when Isla would act the same way, and it never failed—she always looked gorgeous. So will Alyssa. The woman could wear a paper bag and still manage to capture all my attention.
“Don’t go overboard. Be comfortable. I’ll like you in whatever you wear, Alyssa. I can promise you that.”
My eyes roam over her appreciatively. She must notice, because that flush spreads over her neck.
“While I appreciate that, I want to find something new,” she says, voice hoarse. “It’s been a while since I’ve gotten dressed up and hit the town. I’m looking forward to it.”
I grin, standing to move toward her. “Me too,” I say, pulling her into me, leaning down to press my mouth against hers.
