“Morning, beautiful.” My eyes open to find Seb staring down at me with a dressed and content Rose lying in front of him on the bed. I lift my hands, scrubbing my palms over my eyes. Stretching my legs, I feel a delicious ache in my limbs from how we celebrated my birthday last night. I don’t know what time it is, but judging from a quick glance toward the window, I’m guessing it’s at least midmorning.
“How long have you been up?” Rose latches on to his hand that’s resting on her belly, and he lets her yank on his fingers with a small smile on his face. “Um, since about seven so almost two hours ago.”
I remember getting up at around three to feed Rose and resettle her, which thankfully never takes long. But we didn’t fall asleep until we were both spent at around one in the morning.
“Thank you for getting up with her. I must’ve been sleeping like the dead.”
I reach over and run my hand over Rose’s soft head.
He laughs. “You were snoring a little. I was already up getting a glass of water, which was probably why you didn’t hear her.”
I scowl at him. “I do not snore.”
He grins, nodding. “Yeah, you do. Cute little snores.”
I snort. “Whatever. Aren’t you tired?”
He shrugs. “Don’t have to work until tonight. So I’ll take a nap before I go in.”
He leans over to kiss me, and I jump out of bed like my ass is on fire, making Rose squawk like a bird at the bed dipping.
“What the hell?” He laughs.
“I haven’t brushed my teeth.” I cover my mouth.
He shakes his head. “I don’t care. Oh, I put mine in there too by the way. Easier than fetching it from my truck each morning and having Mrs. Simmons watch me as if I’m doing the walk of shame.”
I laugh at the image while walking into my en suite. She’d do exactly that, too.
I brush my teeth and do my business, putting on a bit of concealer under my tired eyes and adding some mascara. I roll on some deodorant and brush my hair, throwing it into an extreme mess on top of my head then shrug; I’ll do. I pull on my pajama pants and a singlet top on my way out of the room, grinning as I get a glimpse of my messed-up bed sheets, the towel, and Seb’s clothes from last night still scattered around the floor. I find him on the couch with a coffee, and Rose sitting in her swing with her new favorite giraffe toy. I smirk as I watch her try to shove it in her mouth then sit down and curl into Seb’s side.
“Coffee’s right there.” He points to the coffee table.
I give him an exaggerated smooch on the cheek. “I’m definitely keeping you.” I reach over and grab it before sitting back. Taking my first sip, I savor it then get to work on polishing off the rest.
“I’ve never seen anyone drink coffee the way you do.” He grins into his mug. Wrapping his arm around my shoulders, he tickles the side of my neck with his fingers.
“Quit, and that’s because I couldn’t have it for, like ever. It almost killed me.”
He chuckles. “I’m going to start some breakfast, well, brunch. Eggs?”
“Nope, no way. You’ve done enough. I’ve got it.” I point my finger at him and glare when he tries to protest. He sighs, finishing his coffee and placing the mug down on the table. “All right, I want bacon, too then.”
“Psh, not even worth mentioning. I know all about your secret love affair with bacon at breakfast time.” I go to stand, but I’m halted when he tugs my hand until I land on his lap. He nuzzles his nose into my neck. “It can never compete with my love for you, beautiful.” He kisses my neck softly then raises his head.
I laugh and tuck my finger under his chin, leaning in to brush my lips against his. Once, twice, three times then whisper, “Nor can coffee with mine for you. Though, it’s a very close call.” I hold my fingers up to indicate just how close. He grins, and I lick his dimple before standing and walking to the kitchen, his deep laugh following me the entire way.
After drying my hands, I’m pulling a frying pan out when there’s a knock on the door.
“I got it,” I call out.
Seb walks out of the living room. “I’m going to put her down for a nap, that okay? She’s been up with me a while.”
I nod. “Thank you.” He turns down the hallway with a sleepy Rose curled up in his arm.
I put the pan down on the counter and walk over to the door, knowing I’m probably due for another visit from Mary. I let my long hair fall out of its bun seeing as I didn’t put a bra on this morning, but that’s what you get sometimes when you visit someone’s home unannounced. I swing the door open and the forced smile I had prepared instantly drops from my face, my stomach sinking into the cracks of the wood floor beneath me.
My heart feels like it’s about to seize in my chest as I lose all ability to breathe while I stand there gaping at Zeke Walters. He says two words. Just two words that threaten to twist all my vital organs into knots and turn my whole world upside down.
“Hi, Liv.”
The End
…For now