Page 43 of The Summer of Us

“Are biscuits included in the rent?”

Her eyes crinkled in amusement. “Yes.”

I dropped my voice, my mouth hovering above hers. “Are kisses?”

“Maybe,” she whispered, her eyes locked on my mouth.

“I’ll take it.”

Then I kissed her.

* * *

The next morning, Abby stumbled out of the bedroom, looking half asleep. She fisted the mess of curls on her head, mumbling one word.

“Coffee.”

With a smirk, I handed her a cup—strong and black—the way she liked. She took it with a grateful look and sat on the sofa, sipping. I let her wake up a little more. She had never been a morning person. At the institution, she was always the last to show up for breakfast, and often missed it.

Not that it had been much to miss. To this day, I hated oatmeal and hard-boiled eggs.

“How bad was the sofa?” she mumbled.

I shrugged, pouring myself another coffee. “Fine. It was one night.”

“What time did you come in?” she asked, regarding me curiously.

“About midnight. I checked, and you were sound asleep.” I squeezed her shoulder as I went past and sat on the chair across from the sofa. “You were exhausted, Abby.”

“I hadn’t slept much for a few days,” she admitted. “But I felt safe here.”

“You are.”

She glanced behind me. “No breakfast?”

“We’re going out for breakfast.”

She snorted into her coffee. “I bet I can guess where.”

I ignored her amusement.

“Sunny has offered us a small apartment over her bakery while we’re here. There’re two bedrooms, it’s furnished, and it has a kitchen. The access is a thick steel door at the back and through her shop, so it’s safe.”

“So, you’ll send Nick away?”

I knew she hated having someone watch over her, and since I planned on staying close and eliminating the threat to her very fast, I agreed.

“I’ve been on the phone with Milo. He’s finding out the terms of Carl’s parole.” It was my turn to snort into my coffee. “I’m fairly certain he will be breaking one or more of them very quickly.”

“You’ll make sure of it,” Abby mumbled.

“Yes. And your mother is going to get a visit. It will ensure you no longer have to worry about another surprise.”

“Thank you.”

“No thanks are needed.”

“Are you sure it’s a good idea, Linc?”