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“Well, I am, so get over it.”
“Fine, but only if I can buy lunch.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.
“Perfect.” She moves, as if to get up, and glances down at where her hand disappears beneath my shirt. Instead of ripping it away like I expect her to, she slowly drags her hand down my chest, grazing my abs. Yep, there goes my cock again. He’s thinking about one thing, and one thing only, and it’s not about the friend line that’s clearly drawn in the sand. My entire body tightens as her soft fingers practically caress my abdomen before slowly pulling from my shirt.
I miss her touch immediately.
But then she does something I’m completely not expecting.
Meghan Summer winks at me and gives me a saucy little smile before turning and climbing from the bed. “I’m going to jump in the shower,” she says over her shoulder before strutting into the adjoining bathroom. Yes, strutting. It’s not the walk of someone who’s embarrassed or shy. It’s the walk of someone who rather enjoyed copping a feel.
I like this side of Meghan.
I like it a lot.
When the shower starts up, I make my way to the kitchen. I know how much she enjoys coffee in the morning, so I fire up the coffee maker. While it’s percolating, I take a few minutes to check out her domain. Yeah, I’ve been here before, but I’ve never really gotten a good look at the place – well, except for the pair of men’s shoes still by the door. It’s a comfortable space with soft colors and lighting, and accents of a feminine touch. Not too many, but a few things here and there, like a purple throw pillow that says Home and a pink candle that’s been used a few times.
The scent of coffee fills the air, so I return to the kitchen to pour two cups. I grab the two mugs sitting in the cabinet above the sink and fill them both about three-quarters of the way. I know Meghan needs to add creamer to hers, while I’m more of a plain sugar man.
A few minutes later, I hear soft footfalls in the hall and am greeted by a freshly showered Meghan. A trace of her shampoo fills the air, mixing with the coffee, which could forever be my new favorite scent. She’s wearing green scrubs with toothbrushes on them, her long hair in a standard ponytail, and minimal makeup. Yet, she still looks as beautiful as ever.
“I made coffee,” I tell her, nodding to the two mugs sitting on the counter.
She smiles but then stops when her eyes meet the cups. A look takes over her face. It’s part sadness, part confusion. Shit, what the hell did I do? “Is something wrong?” I ask, wanting to take a step toward her, yet not wanting to upset her any more than I clearly have.
“No,” she says, shaking her head. When her eyes connect with mine, she gives me a sad smile. “I’m sorry, I’m being silly.” She seems to be looking for the right words, so I wait. “It’s just that…that cup. It was Josh’s.”
Oh.
Shit.
I’m drinking out of her dead fiancé’s coffee cup.
Swell job, Nicholas.
“Shit, I’m sorry,” I reply instantly, grabbing the cup, intending to pour it out.
“No!” she says, quickly coming at me. “Please don’t.” Meghan holds my hand, which is holding the cup, and our eyes connect. “I want you to use it.”
“I don’t have to.” Why do my words feel like they’re choking me?
“I need you to. Please.”
She lets go of my hand and watches as I bring the cup to my lips and take a sip. The hot liquid against my smarted lip doesn’t feel so great, but I ignore the discomfort and focus on the fact that something bigger is happening here. She’s acknowledging that it’s okay to let go of something from her past – something as small as a coffee cup.
To me, it’s a huge step.
When she seems satisfied that I’m drinking from the mug, she reaches for her own and adds the creamer I placed on the counter. “So,” she starts.
“So,” I mimic, both of us leaning a hip against the counter. “I realized something while you were in the shower. I don’t have any clothes here and you don’t have a car.” Her eyes immediately drop to my outfit – the white tank top I was wearing under my karate gi.
“Shit, you’re right,” she mumbles, a pink tint sliding up her neck.
“I was thinking that we still have time for this breakfast thing. Since you’re ready for work, I’ll drive to my place, hop in the shower, and get ready. I at least need shoes.”
“You don’t have shoes?” She seems mortified.
“I was a little preoccupied last night to put them on,” I tell her casually with a shrug. “Anyway, we can stop at the café for a bite to eat, and then, I can either take us to work or drop you off at the dojo to get your car, depending on the time.”
