I woke up slowly, feeling fucking fantastic and not quite remembering why. Then, her scent hit me and I rolled over to find the bed empty. I hugged the pillow she used and inhaled vanilla and spice, then forced my eyes open and looked around the room.

Her shoes were on the floor by the door, so, although Serena wasn’t in the room, I assumed she was still in the house.

I got up, stretching as I stood, grabbed a pair of basketball shorts, and headed out in search of Serena.

I followed the sounds to the kitchen, but rather than go inside, I leaned against then door jam and just watched.

She was wearing one of my T-shirts, which fell all the way to her knees, with her hair piled up on top of her head. Her phone was playing music, which she sang along to while she moved around the kitchen.

Her singing was really quite bad, which made me grin.

The smell of bacon hit me, making my stomach growl loud. I watched as she put scrambled eggs, toast, and some of that bacon on a plate. When she turned to the coffee and began pouring a cup, I came into the kitchen, clearing my throat so as not to startle her.

Serena spun around, the steaming mug in her hand, and smiled at me in a way that had my heart stuttering.

“Good morning,” she said sunnily.

“Morning,” I replied, moving toward her and bringing my hands up to cup her face.

Once I’d kissed her softly, yet thoroughly, I pulled back and grinned down at her.

“Tell me that’s for me,” I said, nodding down to the cup of coffee.

“It is,” she replied, so I let her go and took the offered cup from her hands.

“Thank you,” I said, taking my first fortifying sip, then looked to the counter and added, “This all looks amazing.”

“Thanks. Hungry?” Serena asked.

“Famished,” I replied, my stomach once again growling.

This time I was close enough, and it was loud enough, for Serena to hear. I just shrugged and picked up both plates and said, “Let’s eat.”

She giggled, grabbed her coffee, and followed me to the table.

“You didn’t have to get up and do all this, but I’m not gonna lie, I’m pretty happy you did.”

“It’s no problem. I like to cook when I get the chance.”

We both dug in to our food and ate in relative silence. I didn’t often eat breakfast, usually just grabbed coffee on my way to a site or back to my workshop, and I couldn’t remember the last time a woman had cooked for me.

It was really nice, and the food tasted great. Definitely something I could get used to.

“What’s on the agenda today, the gallery?” I asked, pushing back my empty plate and picking up my mug.

Serena nodded.

“Yeah, I’ve got to finish up there, finalize everything for the opening on Friday and go over the guest list one last time, to make sure I have all the RSVPs, then contact the people I haven’t heard from yet. I’m also interviewing a couple of part-time employees.”

“Sounds like a full day.”

“It is, but, it’s finally almost here. The grand opening. I almost can’t believe it … I feel like I’ve been planning it forever.”

“I’m sure it’ll be fantastic.”

“You’ll be there, right?” she asked quietly, her tone hopeful.

“I wouldn’t miss it,” I promised. “Let me know if you need any help before, after, or during.”

“Thanks, I will.”

“Then, in two weeks, we’ll have the viewing party. Are you planning to go?” I asked.

“Yeah, I think it’ll be fun.”

“Want to go together?” I asked, catching her eye. “I mean, we agreed to take this seriously, to date each other exclusively … I hope that also means, publicly. I want the world to know you’re with me.”

Serena’s face filled with pleasure and she reached her hand out over the table.

I took it, enjoying the weight of it in mine.

“Yes, of course. I want that, too. And I’d like for you to be my date for the gallery opening as well, even though I’ll be working.”

“Gladly,” I replied with a grin.

“Good.”

“Good,” I mimicked softly.

I knew she had a lot to do and needed to leave, but I found myself wishing I could take her back to bed and spend the day there.

“I wish you didn’t have to go,” I admitted, wanting full transparency.

“Me, too,” she replied, and that was good enough for me … for now. “After the opening things will slow down a bit.”

“Can I see you tonight? I’m meeting up with the guys to watch the UFC fight, but later, after you get home, will you call me? I can come to you, or you can come to me. Either way.”

“I’d like that,” Serena said, then she rose and started to clear the plates.

“Nuh-uh, you cooked, I’ll do the cleaning,” I said, standing as well.

“Okay, well, I’d better go then. I need to shower and change before I head in,” she said, then looked down at my shirt. “Can I borrow this to wear home?”

I stepped around the table to her, placed my hands on her shoulders, then ran them down her arms.

“Keep it as long as you like,” I replied, then took her lips with mine and kissed her until she buckled against me. “Thanks for breakfast,” I whispered, then let her go.

“You’re welcome,” Serena replied throatily. “See you later.”

I nodded, staying right where I was so I could watch her walk out the back door. Before stepping out, she looked over her shoulder, gave me another small smile and wave, then she was gone.