Page 67 of Breathtaking

I don’t want a fairytale.

I want a reality.

—Lennon’s Secret Thoughts

When I walk into the kitchen, Maddox is already standing behind the counter with a kettle beginning to whistle on the stove. He pushes my box of tea toward me, then grabs a mug from the cabinet and sets it in front of me, pulling a smile from my lips.

“Good morning,” I murmur as I add my tea to the mug and pour the water over, then stare at the man who gave it to me. Maddox Beneventi in jeans is a beautiful thing. And don’t get me started on this man bare-chested with pajama pants hanging from his hips. But him in a beautifully cut black suit with a gray shirt and his collar open... dear lord... he’s a sight to be seen.

“Lennon?” he questions.

I’m not even sure if he said anything else, so I ignore whatever it could have been and carry on like I wasn’t just caught staring at my future husband. “Are you going to il leone today?”

“Yeah,” he grins, and I know I’m busted. “I’m meeting with inspectors. I think we’re getting the okay to open. It’s just a matter of having everything ready now.”

“That’s exciting.” He slides a piece of toast with raspberry jam my way, and a teeny tiny piece of my heart softens, knowing he’s paid attention. Some women crave salt or sweets during their last trimester. But not me. Nope. Tea and toast. It’s all I’ve craved since the cravings hit. I take a bite, and my stomach grumbles.

“You’ve got to eat more, Lennon. How about you let me cook you dinner tonight?”

I take another bite of toast. “You just made me breakfast.”

“You’ve got to eat more than one meal a day. Come on.”

When a gorgeous man offers to cook for you, it’s nearly impossible to say no.

When it’s this man ... there’s no nearly about it.

“You don’t have to do that,” I tell him and sip my tea. “I’m sure you’re busy.”

“I’m meeting with the inspectors, then catching up with Callen and my brothers for our tux fittings. I’ve got nothing after that.” He rounds the island and plants his arms on either side of me. Caging me in. “Let me feed you, Lennon.”

Oh my...

When he puts it that way...

Says it that way, with that voice.

Well, how could I say no?

“Okay,” I whisper.

I swear Maddox leans his face against my hair and inhales.

And oh my God... why is that so hot?

I try to ignore the way my body reacts to his, but before I get the chance to push him away—really, I was getting there—Maddox takes a step back.

He brushes his lips over my cheek, and I swallow my anxiety down.

My phone vibrates on the counter, and I grab it and toss it in my purse. “That’s Caitlin. I’ve got my final fitting this morning.”

He runs his big hand over my hair and tugs. “See you tonight,principessa.”

I watch him leave before I take my next breath and wonder what exactly I just agreed to.

* * *

“Oh Lennon,” Gracie whispers, while Amelia, Caitlin, and Everly stand off to the side of the dais, silent. “You look stunning.”

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