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“I’d say good morning, but it looks like you already have that well in hand, I can smell the scent of them on you,” Caden said, his eyes flashing red but glinting with humor. “I bet you’ve worked up an appetite?”
“I got up early eager to explore our new house, but you’re right, I’ve already been waylaid repeatedly.”
He winked at me before he placed a plate of waffles in front of me. To my surprise, there was a big scoop of delectable ice cream crowning the stack. “Dig in, little mage. You’ll need your energy to keep up with me and the others.”
I looked him over, taking in his shirtless frame under that apron, and my mouth went dry. I knew another round with Caden would leave me spent and happy again, and I wasn’t that surprised to discover I was interested despite the morning’s activities so far.
“The waffles make sense, but ice cream too?” I asked.
“I remember how fond you are of it,” Caden said with a wink, “and I think you’ve earned some spoiling.”
I felt the heat rise in my cheeks as I thought back to our last time in a kitchen. “This is so indulgent. Thank you, Caden.” I picked up a fork and dug into the gooey deliciousness, the fluffy, crispy waffle pairing decadently with the caramel swirl vanilla ice cream melting into it. “This is a lot of carbs, but I love it.”
“Don’t mages eat carbs? Like every other species on this planet?” He chuckled under his breath as he worked on finishing up a plate for himself at the island across from me.
“Oh, mages definitely eat carbs. At least, this one does,” I replied.
“That’s good, because I’m considering quitting my day job and becoming the family chef.”
I shook my head as I swallowed another big bite. “No, Caden, I can’t let you do that. I know how much you adore your work. Besides, I loved working alongside you in that dreamland and I can’t wait to do it again. Just imagine me playing naughty mage at your side as we take down criminals together.”
I could see the wheels turning in Caden’s mind as he considered the possibilities.
“C’mon, admit it. You loved having me by your side.”
Caden sighed. “You know I did, but I don’t love putting you in danger. Plus, I know Franc will have it out of my hide if he thinks I’m risking you,” Caden replied.
I sat up straight, squirming a little in my seat as I visualized Franc and Caden doing well, half a dozen such things together. “I understand I’m precious to all of you, but I think I’ve shown I’m able to handle myself.” I stuffed another creamy, crunchy bite into my mouth, daring him to argue with me.
“We know that, we do, it’s just hard accepting that there’s only so much that’s reasonable to do with protecting our mate.”
I winked at him. “You’ll get used to it.”
Caden sat down across from me at the island countertop while I continued eating my waffles and ice cream. He looked deep into my eyes and whispered. “I’m looking forward to getting used to a lot of things, Sera. Now, what do you think you’ll do now that you have your magic working at full power?”
“I haven’t thought that far ahead yet. My head has been spinning from everything that happened these last few days. I need to get over by my shop and see how everything’s going. It was good to call Pepper last night and hear her voice, but I need to show my face again.”
“Just wait until the sun comes up,” Caden replied. “Somehow, I don’t see you being satisfied running your coffee shop anymore.”
“I’ve been thinking about that too,” I replied. “My magic is so much stronger now, I know I can help people with my abilities. I adore my shop, but I can do so much more. Pepper’s used to running it now, anyway. And I can always visit when I need to get my gaming in.”
Caden nodded along, listening intently to me as he ate his food. “What kind of magical work do you think you’d enjoy?”
I shrugged, still chewing on my waffle. “Honestly, working in security or investigations was always at the top of my list for what I wanted to do with my life. Something about finding bad guys and protecting those who need it has always appealed to me.”
Caden threw his head back and laughed heartily at my admission. “Well, it looks like you have a plan then? I can certainly help you out with that. I’m sure my chief would love having an in with House Lowe.” He took a bite of his food, never taking his eyes off me for even a moment.
The way he looked at me, there was a hunger in his eyes that made my core ache for him again, despite how thoroughly we’d already explored our desires together last night. The thrill of anticipation filled the air between us, making the atmosphere crackle with electricity like before a storm rolled in over the horizon. When Caden stood up from his stool and walked around behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders while leaning in close behind me, all thoughts fled from my mind but one: what was Caden going to do next?
“You’ll figure it out, and we’ll all help you make it happen. Now, have you had enough to eat?” he whispered against my ear. “Because I can’t take my eyes off of you and I’m hungry for something more.”
My spine tingled with goosebumps as chills ran down it under Caden’s touch; every nerve ending awakened by his proximity alone as only an incubus could. But when he spoke those words to me, it was as if an electric shock hit every cell in my body all at once. Every hair on my body stood up straight as an intense heat ran through every inch of flesh from head to toe under Caden’s attention. A flash fire ignited between us when our gazes met over my shoulder; there was no denying we both wanted more than simply idle flirtation right now.
“You’re right. I’m done eating, and I’m ready for a dessert only you can provide,” I said with a confident smile.
“I want you. Now,” he whispered, his lips close to my ear.
“So what are you waiting for?” I asked him over my shoulder. “Hurry and get those clothes off already.”
