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A small smile tips up the corners of my mouth. “Always.” Then I press my lips to hers.
CHAPTER25
ALESSANDRA
The noisy parts of the renovation ended two nights ago. Now they are moving on to more cosmetic things, such as spackling and painting. Halle-freaking-lujah. Much as I love my friends, sleeping in a strange bed, constantly invading their space, and waking up with unfamiliar body aches are equally stressful.
Soon as I got the news from Sheila, I messaged Braydon. He’d gifted me the most unforgettable night with him after the vandalism incident. Put so much thought into each gift. Tended to me in a way no one ever had. And every moment since, I’ve wanted him in my bed. In my space. With me.
Is it about the sex? Eh, maybe a little. But there is something to be said about being wrapped in his arms. Something about the innocent yet powerful touch, his hold, that calms every brewing storm in my head. He brought me up to my apartment, showered me with comfort gifts, pampered me with affection, and then took his time with me in my bed. I’d needed the noise to stop and he found a way. I’d needed my space back and now I have it.
And now, I need more of him.
Braydon accepted without protest.
Though I told him I didn’t have time for a relationship, in the past thirty-six hours, I found a way to make time for him. It hasn’t been a hardship, but it is also new. Staying positive, I want to say it will last. But a little voice in the back of my head says to stay level-headed. To not lose sight of what is in front of me. To not give in to the fantasy, in case it cannot become reality.
I hate the little voice.
Like clockwork, Braydon walks into Java and Teas Me at ten thirty, laptop bag slung over his shoulder. He throws me flirty eyes while ordering coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Neither of us hints at anything other than him ordering food. I hand him the numbered tent and he winks before heading for the outdoor seating.
Once the line clears, I turn to Mandi. “I’ll take order fifteen out.”
She cocks a brow. “What’s up with you and the writer hottie?”
“What?” Not like Braydon and I have spent all our free time traipsing around town. We also haven’t been masking our time outside my apartment. “Nothing is up,” I add with a less-than-confident tone.
Lips pursed, she rolls her eyes. “Oh, okay.” Soft laughter leaves her lips. “Should work on your delivery if you want people to believe it.” Her gaze drifts to the door leading to the patio. She nods for a beat then meets my gaze. Takes a step closer and leans in. “But FYI, you don’t fool me. The way that man looks at you, the way you look at him…” Lifting a hand, she fans her face. “There is definitely something going on.”
Mouth agape, I stare at her. My mind suddenly a blank slate. Fingers toying with my apron strings as I try to conjure up an intelligible response. Do I tell Mandi she must have her wires crossed and there is nothing going on with me and Braydon? Or do I confirm her suspicions and fess up?
Giving our whatever-ship a voice wouldn’t be the worst thing. Right?Braydon and I aren’t boyfriend-girlfriend, but we are something.If the notion sounds weird in my head, I only imagine how foolish it will sound out loud. Like I have no clue what is going on in my life. Like I have no confidence with men. And I guess when it comes to romantic relationships, I am somewhat clueless. Maybe. Maybe not.
My “love life” has consisted of flings and one-night stands for as long as I recall. I had boyfriends over the years. High school was filled with those short-lived, hormone-induced romances every teenager experiences. The ones you say are love but are the furthest thing from actual love. Not that I am an expert on love.
Sad as it may sound from a twenty-six-year-old woman, I don’t think I’ve ever been in love. But then again, I haven’t really asked anyone what being in love feels like. I could ask my parents—they met when Mom was a college freshman and Dad a college senior. Joan and Samuel Everett love each other, but since my brother, Anderson, and I moved out, they seem to spend less time together. When I talk to Mom and ask how Dad is, she waves off the question with a“You know your father. He’s fine.”
I’d ask Mags how she knew Geoff wasthe one, but the inquiry would prompt lots of questions I am nowhere near ready to answer. By the time I buck up enough courage, I will undoubtedly already know the answer.
The longer I remain silent, the wider Mandi’s grin becomes. Whatever. At this stage of the game, I have nothing to lose.
Ding, ding.“Fifteen,” August calls through the pass window.
Perfect timing. I snatch Braydon’s breakfast from the ledge and place the order slip on the receipt spike. Mandi narrows her eyes at me as I walk off. Just before I exit the staff alley, I pause and look over my shoulder at her.
“Maybe there is.” I smirk in her direction. “But I don’t kiss and tell.”
As I hit the first row of tables in the dining room, I hear her say, “Ha. I knew it.”
I laugh but don’t look back as I head outside. Sunshine heats my skin as I reach Braydon’s table closest to the sidewalk. Brow crinkled and back hunched as he types furiously on the laptop keys, the moment I sidle up to the table, he stops and looks up.
Smile brightening his expression, he pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Hi.”
“Your breakfast, sir.”
He chuckles as I set the plate down. “Join me?”
I peek over my shoulder. No line and Mandi found something to do besides stare my way. “For a bit.” I pull out the chair and sit, my knee brushing his as I do. I swallow and bite the inside of my cheek, fighting my smile. Jerking my chin toward his laptop, I ask, “How’s the story coming along?”
