Chapter Four

I woke up the next morning with arms around me.

My heart skipped a beat as I pulled away and looked down at the couch. I took a deep breath, trying to remember last night. Dean had stopped by and we talked, and then … then I’d fallen asleep.

I looked down at the couch where Dean lay snoring quietly. A smile touched my lips. I really liked him; I knew that much, but I still wasn’t sure what was going on with him, and I had this feeling that there was something I didn’t know, or maybe that was just because of what I’d found out last night.

Either way, I padded into my kitchen, flicked the kettle on, got us a little bit of my latest blend attempt. Salted caramel. It was still a work in progress, but I wanted to see what he would think of it, so I measured us each out a little bit and then made my way into the bedroom to get dressed while the kettle boiled.

As much as I didn’t want to, I had to go to work today, so I slipped into a pair of gray tights, along with a black skirt that would look adorable with my uniform top. In the meantime, I slipped into a green long sleeve top and made my way back out to the kitchen where the kettle had popped. I poured the hot chocolate and watched the steam rise from it for a couple seconds before heading into the bathroom where I ran a brush through my hair and applied a small amount of makeup. I couldn’t stop thinking about that girl who had showed up at Dean’s house the other day. She didn’t look like she’d worn any makeup except a little mascara. I bit my lip wondering if I would actually look good or feel pretty with that little amount of makeup on. I frowned. Had Jessica worn much make up? I knew it was wrong to compare myself to his ex, but I couldn’t help it.

I took a deep breath, decided to go with a little nude lipstick, and then headed back to the kitchen.

“Well, good morning, gorgeous.”

He sounded like he was still asleep as he sat up and looked me over.

My cheeks flushed. “So you like it?”

“Have I ever told you that you have amazing legs?”

“No, I don’t think you have.”

“Well, you do.” His eyes roamed over every inch of my body. “I like when you wear heels to work, it gives me something to look at during the day.”

“Well, maybe I’ll wear heels with my skirt today.” I raised an eyebrow. “Just for you.”

“You shouldn’t tempt me too much.” He grinned, standing up and coming over to me. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me close to him, and his lips touched mine.

“I made you some hot chocolate.” I knew we shouldn’t kiss too much; otherwise, neither of us were going to be leaving this house all day.

“What kind?”

“Salted caramel.”

“Sounds yummy; is that a new flavor?”

“Yup. Still not down pat, but I want to know what you think.”

“So far I’ve thought every flavor I’ve tried is amazing.” His lips touched mine softly.

“You’re just saying that.”

He pulled away. “No, I’m not. I know the value of honest opinions when you’re starting off; I’d never lie to you. Like for example, if this is disgusting I’m going to tell you. I’ll try to find a nice way to tell you, but I will tell you.”

“That’s very kind of you.”

He walked away from me, thank God because I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to push him away if he came back for another kiss. I did actually mean what I’d said. I wasn’t being sarcastic or snarky; I thought it was kind he would tell me the truth because I needed someone to do that for me. I followed him into the kitchen and took the mug he hadn’t. I took a small sip. I’d already tried this batch, but no one else had; I didn’t think Katie had gotten around to trying it before Dean showed up last night, or at the very least she hadn’t told me how it was.

I watched Dean carefully. He mulled it over after he took a sip.

“Honestly, it’s a little bit sweet for my liking, but it’s good.”

“Thanks.” I smiled widely, taking a sip of mine. I could see why he thought that. I was still trying to decide if it was good enough or not, maybe taking out a little bit of the sweetness would be good. I could always try it.

I gave Dean a smile. “So, ready to head to work?”

“Just give me a couple, and I’ll drive us.” He grinned as he put his mug down and strode towards the bathroom.

True to his word, he didn’t take long, and when he came out of the bathroom, I could smell the mouthwash on his breath. He pulled me into a quick kiss and touched my butt gently before he pulled away, and we headed for the front door.

“Hello.” Jake stared at me as soon as I stepped out into the hallway.

“Hey. How are you doing?”

“Not too bad, yourself?”

“Good.” I turned to Dean. “Dean, this is Jake. Jake, my boyfriend, Dean.”

The two men nodded to each other as the three of us headed to the staircase.

“So, are you off to work?”

“Yea, that friend of mine helped me find a job.” He turned to Dean. “Recent break up.”

“Oh, ouch. I’m sorry man.”

Jake shrugged. “It happens. But at least, I know she’s fucking my best friend now.”

“Ohhh, that’s shitty.” Dean sounded like he did actually feel bad about it too.

The rest of the walk down the stairs was in complete silence. And I was okay with that. For some reason, it felt odd to have Jake and Dean together. Maybe it was because Dean knew who Jake was, or maybe it was because Jake didn’t know who Dean was—or maybe I was just finding stuff to stress about that wasn’t there. But either way, it felt good to get in the car with just Dean.

“So, that was the guy you spent your night with, right?”

I let out a deep breath. “You make it sound a lot worse than just sitting around watching chick flicks.”

“Sorry.” He gave me a soft smile. “I just … wondered.”

“Assessing your competition?”

“Yes.” He gave me a grin, but I wasn’t so sure he was joking.

“Well, you’ll be happy to know that you don’t have any.”

“I don’t?”

“Nope. I like you and only you.” Actually, I really like you. But I didn’t say it. I didn’t want him to think I was going to drop the love bomb on him right away and scare him off.

My heart twisted into a knot. I was beginning to think that maybe I did actually love him. It’s too soon for all that crap. It’s just puppy dog love. Love as in I’m still trying to get to know him. And I really like him, and he’s interesting and cool and hot. Even if I did love him, it wasn’t the right kind of love. It couldn’t be—right?

I bit my lip. “So, tonight is the big night, right?”

“Yup.”

I couldn’t believe so much time had already passed. It wasn’t the fight night until tomorrow, but tonight we were starting the warm up, hoping to get people to come in and then come back tomorrow.

“I have a couple radio stations stopping by today. Do you want to do an interview with them?”

“What?” I spun to face Dean as he started the car, and we made our way towards work.

“Well, you’re going to need the practice so if you want …”

“No. I—I’m sorry; I just don’t think I can.”

“It’s alright. I don’t mind doing them.”