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“That’s an apt description of how I feel.Turned around.”I finished my coffee.“I should go.”
“You don’t want breakfast?I make a mean omelet.At least, Jenny says so.”
I went to say no, but my stomach grumbled loudly, giving me away.Oh, God.I felt heat creep up my cheeks.“Um.Yes, please?”
One corner of his mouth tipped up with his smile, and it was adorable.“Okay, then.You like spice in your eggs?”He unfolded his long frame from the chair, gulped the rest of his coffee, and crossed to the fridge, turning to look at me, the question sketched on his handsome face.
“No.I’m not that good at spicy stuff.”
“Copy that.”He bent into the fridge and took an armful of ingredients to the counter before he poked through some bottles, looking at their labels.
“My Asian father isashamedof me for it.But then he serves himself eye-watering hot chili sauce witheverything, so...”
I let my gaze linger on the broad line of his back as he cracked eggs and poured milk into a skillet, added butter and herbs, and stirred it around.A grinder sounded.The scent of black pepper and cooking eggs filled the space, and I breathed in hungrily.
“So, how long’s it been since you were here?”Rick asked as he cooked.
“Almost four years.I bet things have changed.”
He smiled at me over his shoulder.“It’s small town America.Probably less has changed than you think.You missed anythin’ in particular?”He pronounced itanythangand his accent was unbearably sexy.
“Well, one of the first things I need to do, apart from go and see my aunt, is say hi to the Han family.They run Lucky Star, the Chinese takeaway.”
“The takeaw—oh, the delivery place.Yeah.I love their lo mein.Okay, this is done.Order up.”He smoothly slid the omelet on to a plate and placed it before me with cutlery.“Bon Appetit.”
“You’re not eating?”
“Can’t eat in the mornin’.Makes me queasy.”He frowned, sitting opposite me.“Dig in.No need to wait.”
I sliced the omelet open, the fragrant aroma bathing my face.The first bite melted on my tongue.“Oh, God.This is amazing.”
Rick leaned back in his chair, a smile that almost seemed shy crossing his face.“It’s one of the three things I cook well.If you’re lucky, you might get to taste the other two before you fly back.”
I’d like to taste anything you’ve got,I almost replied, but just about managed not to say it out loud.Instead, I ate the delicious omelet while Rick sipped his coffee, and it was allsodomestic andsowhat I had wanted with Sebastian, who I was now avoiding by being on the other side of an ocean.
I pushed back the chair.“Thank you for breakfast.And the bed.It was really nice of you.But I have to go.Right now.”
Rick stood.“Did I do—”
“Nope.Nothing.You’re perfect.I mean…” I took a deep breath.“Please, don’t get up.”I scrabbled in my bag for the keys, and thankfully found them without having to upend up the entire thing because wouldn’tthathave been embarrassing?“Thanks again.”
I shouldered the tote and tugged at the suitcase and then remembered I wasn’t wearing shoes.
Rick slowly rounded the table, his expression serious, concern in his gorgeous tawny eyes.“If I said or did something wrong, you can tell me.No hard feelings.”
My shoulders slumped.“I think I just want to be alone,” I said slowly.“I’d planned to just help out my aunt, but now I’m having to be heartbroken in another country, and this is… it’s just a bit too cozy.I’m sorry.I just need some processing time.”
His gaze softened.“‘Course.You need anything, you just call, okay?I know Jess gave you my number.”His eyes lingered on my face for a moment, before he added, “I’ll get your shoes.”
I stood awkwardly while he headed up the stairs, long legs eating up the distance.I heard him have a muffled conversation with Jenny, and then he reappeared.“Here ya go.”
“Thanks.”My hands brushed his as I took my shoes, and awareness skittered up my arms.Lord, why did he have to besobeautiful?And so tall.“Say bye to Jenny for me.”
Rick tossed off a lazy salute and picked up my suitcase.“Sure.”
He followed me out of the door and stood patiently while I fiddled with the keys and let myself into Jess’ house next door.The scent of citrus air freshener drifted from inside.
“I can take it from here,” I bit off, too sharply, and then tried to soften it with a smile, but I knew it came out weak.
