Page 157 of Between Regrets and Promises

“Morning,” she says.

Her sleepy voice is so damn sexy.

“Morning. Sleep well?”

She shrugs. “No worse than usual.”

I place the eggs and toast on two plates, set them on the table, then sit across from her. We don’t talk much in the mornings, but we don’t have to. I’m happy to be around her and that she’s here with me. After we’re done eating, I clean up and rinse our dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.

“How’s work going?”

“Great. Got a few cases to oversee, which is a nice change. Instead of doing the bitch work, I’m assigning it. Finally.” I laugh.

The sweet smile she gives me is everything. She may tell me she can’t, but her unspoken words tell me she still feels the same. It’s enough for me.

“Any big plans today?” I ask, trying to keep the conversation flowing.

“Going to see my therapist for my weekly appointment. Might go grocery shopping so we aren’t always living on pizza and tacos.” She lets out a breath as if she’s nervous about going out in a public space. “Other than that, nothing much. Maybe read a book if I don’t fall asleep.”

“Do you think you’ll go back to work soon?” I ask. It’s the elephant in the room, and something she’s been avoiding for a while. I don’t want to force her into anything, but I know what playing the violin means to her. Plus, Lennon has been asking Hunter to ask me if Sophie’s been playing, and still, she hasn’t. The last time I helped her carry her clothes to her room, I noticed the case hadn’t moved from the corner for over a month.

She shrugs, then leans on the counter by me. “I was thinking next week. I need to practice again for our upcoming shows and want to be ready. Plus, I can only take so much leave before it looks like I’m taking advantage. God forbid something else happens that I need to take off for.” She sighs with a quiet groan, almost as if she’s anticipating more stuff going wrong in her life.

I tilt my head, then rest my hand on her shoulder, giving it a small squeeze. “Nothing else is gonna happen. Well, unless Hunter passes out when Lennon gives birth because he nearly did the last time.” I chuckle. “But take all the time you need, Soph. You don’t have to rush back into something you’re not ready to do.”

“That’s what Mary says too,” she admits. “I think I’ll be fine to go back on Monday. Maybe it’ll help get me out of my head for a while. Music has a way of healing the people in my family.”

“Good, I hope so.” I wink.

“Need anything from the store?” She walks past me and pours more coffee in her cup. Her arm brushes against mine as my back leans against the counter, and that familiar electric current streams through me. By the way she looks at me with hooded eyes, she feels it too.

“Nah, I’m good.”

Though, I’d be better if her lips were pressed against mine.

“If you change your mind, you’ve got my number.”

“I do. Even got it memorized.”

“Oh yeah?” she asks playfully.

“I only have three numbers memorized, and one is my own so you should feel special that I know yours too,” I tell her, which makes her laugh.

“Trust me, I do.” She blinks, lowering her face as if she’s trying to hide her blush.

She goes to the fridge and adds more creamer, then lets out a sigh after she takes another sip.

I check the time and realize I need to get going. I’m trying to set an example by being punctual although I’d rather shoot the shit with Sophie instead.

“Have a good day, Soph,” I tell her after I refill my to-go mug with coffee.

“You too,” she says, looking me up and down with a cocked eyebrow. It takes all the willpower I have to walk away, and I’m not sure how I do it.

“Wait…” she calls out. “Who’s the third person’s number?”

Smirking, I shove one hand in my pocket. “Our dumbass roommate.”

“For all the times he’s had to bail you out of jail?” she taunts with a side-grin, and it feels good to banter with her again.

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