Page 112 of Hot As Ice

“What the hell, bro? Can you read minds or something?”

He grins, shaking his head. “No. But I know you.”

And he knows what my dad did to my mom. I really, really hope history doesn’t repeat itself with my dad and Celeste, but something tells me it will. This time, I’m older and stronger and I can’t let it get to that point.

“Yeah, I worry,” I admit. “I’m hoping for the best though.”

“Sure. And if you need anything, I’m here. You know that, right?”

I nod. “What I really need is to find Stevie’s former boss and beat the absolute shit out of him.”

“We’ll get him. Don’t worry.”

“I don’t get it. He must be out of town or something. Every time I drive by his place, it’s obvious no one’s home.”

“All in due time, bro.”

I nod. I’m getting cold now that the heat from running has dissipated and my sweaty clothes are sticking to my body. “Let’s go back,” I tell Jamie.

We run back at a much slower pace and go our separate ways when we’re about half a mile away from my building. “See ya, buddy,” Jamie says, waving and jogging off toward his place.

“Later.”

The scent of bacon hits me as soon as I step inside my penthouse. I walk into the kitchen even though I should be heading toward the bathroom to shower.

“Hi, baby!” Stevie has the biggest smile on her face as she lunges at me. I hug her back. “What are you doing?” I ask.

“I’m making breakfast, duh.”

“That’s my job.”

“Not today.” She’s wearing my jersey and nothing else. She looks so fucking hot.

“I need to shower,” I tell her.

“Okay.” She goes to stand in front of the stove. “How do you like your eggs?”

“Sunny side up.”

“You got it.”

I leave her to it, but not before I take another look at her in my space, cooking me breakfast like she’s my wife or something. Fuck. I want this to be my reality every single day. My shower is quick. I put on clean sweats and pad back to the kitchen. Stevie has set our plates on the kitchen island, along with two glasses of orange juice.

“I didn’t know how to make your protein smoothie,” she says, her brow adorably furrowed.

I chuckle. “I wouldn’t expect you to know that.” I reach for her and kiss her on her beautiful mouth. She leans into me, her hands resting on my chest. I kiss her forehead. “Let’s eat before it gets cold.”

“Is the bacon crispy enough?” she asks, looking unsure.

I grab one and take a bite. “It’s perfect.”

“I don’t cook enough,” she says, taking a seat. “I can only make a few dishes. But I don’t like preparing all the ingredients, and then cleaning up after.”

“That’s fine. I will cook for you whenever you want.”

She smiles, taking a bite of bacon. “I know. It’s the number one reason I’m with you.”

I give her a look. “Is that right?”