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Auggie stands on the other side, box of pastries in one hand, cup carrier in the other, looking like a meal himself.

I love a man in uniform, and getting to ogle Auggie in his paramedic uniform, with the way it practically molds to his body, is an utter pleasure. Today, he is just as devastating in his tight black long-sleeve over dark wash jeans that cling to his muscled legs like a well-worn glove.

I step aside so Auggie can enter. Minna gives a happy bark as Auggie sets the items on the table. He pets Minna, then walks to me and tugs me flush to him. The press of his lips is soft, drawing a gentle sigh from me.

“What has you so grumpy this morning, Moonlight?” he says, cupping my face.

I turn my head and place a kiss on his hand. “I was up past my bedtime.”

He laughs again, so I poke his side.

“Ouch,” he cries through his laughter. “No need to be hostile.”

“I’m not hostile,” I grump as he tugs me toward the table.

Auggie opens the boxes, and I have to swallow to keep from drooling. Sugar and apple with hints of spice fill the small kitchen space. He grabs one of the to-go cups and hands it to me.

“Maple macchiato with sweet cream foam on top.”

I take a sip and have my second foodgasm in two days.

“This is incredible.”

Auggie sets a plate in front of me with a still-steaming pastry. I pick it up, take a bite, and nearly pass out as my eyes close. The apple turnover is something beyond perfect.

Flaky, buttery crust.

Apples spiced with cinnamon and sugar, with the smallest hint of citrus.

Gooey and warm and so satisfying, I nearly moan.

When I open my eyes, Auggie is sitting across from me, a satisfied smile painted on his lips.

“Good?”

“Heavenly.”

“Consider this the preview of all the deliciousness you’re going to get to experience today.”

His comment had me rethinking my outfit. If today was going to be a feast, perhaps jeans were not the smart move. Maybe I could find a pair of leggings that didn’t look like they were going to fall apart and pair it with my sweater.

As I dive in for another bite of flaky deliciousness, I can’t help but marvel at how natural this feels. Auggie and I only went on our first unofficial date last night, but it feels like we’ve been doing this forever. It’s so easy with him.

We have this rhythm that’s as easy as breathing.

I watch as he picks up his own pastry and takes a bite. His eyes close as he savors the flavors just like I did. His eyes scrunch in the corner and his mouth tips up, showing the tiniest hint of fang.

He looks blissfully happy.

But his color is lighter than yesterday.

The circles beneath his eyes are darker than before.

“Moonlight?”

Auggie’s concerned tone snaps me out of my thoughts. The carefree smile that had just been on his lips now vanished.

“Caught me,” I say with less conviction than I was aiming for.