Page 66 of Claiming Her Cougar
“Wine?”he asks, handing me the plate and some napkins.
“Nah, I’m good with water.”
He nods and grabs two bottles from the mini fridge.I watch his beautiful body with its graceful movements and think briefly of the accident he was in years ago and the miracle it was he recovered from his injuries.I say a quick prayer of gratitude as he slides under the covers to join me.
We eat our sandwiches, and it’s both normal and weird to be naked in bed, enjoying a turkey club with Liam.
“How offended would you be if we turn on the Flyers’ game?”I ask.
“Oh, Mallory, I think you’re my ideal woman.”Liam laughs and hands me the remote.
We settle in with our sandwiches and entertainment, and I think about how I’ve missed this.I’ve missed him.This is so good, but so bad.This is a booty call, friends with benefits.I can’t be catching deeper feelings.
I’m afraid it’s too late.
27
LIAM
This ismy first time waking up next to Mallory, and I hope it won’t be the only time.I’m propped on my elbow, head resting on my palm, watching her sleep.She’s curled on her side, facing me, her hands tucked under her cheek.I can count the freckles scattered over her nose—twenty-three.I’d love to wake her by kissing each and every freckle, especially the one on the tip of her nose.It’s adorable.Maybe she sensed my thoughts because her long lashes flutter and her sleepy green eyes look into mine.
“Good morning,” she murmurs, a slow, sexy smile forming on her lips.
“Good morning,” I respond, a matching smile spreading on my face.“Do you want room service for breakfast, or would you prefer to get something after we shower?”
“What time is it?Checkout is at eleven.”
“We’re good,” I assure her.We are.I already arranged for the charge for the room and food to be put on my account, and checkout is whenever we want to leave.Being best friends with the owner has its perks.
“Where would we go?I take breakfast seriously.”
I enjoy learning that about her.
“Go Fork Yourself?”I suggest a mom-and-pop place near my house that’s legendary for their omelets and pancakes.And rude service.That’s what happens when badger shifters are the proprietors.
“Oh, yeah.I haven’t been there in forever.”Mallory stretches and winces slightly.We were busy last night.After our sandwiches, we went another round that included some creative use of the frosting on the chocolate cake she’d ordered for dessert.Then we had to shower and finally had time to do everything we’d wanted to do when her mother interrupted us.The shower was fun, but I loved being in a bed and having all night to savor her body.
“You okay?”I ask.We were very energetic.I hope I didn’t accidentally hurt her.
She gives me a wink and a grin.“Yeah, I’m good.Very good.My muscles aren’t used to that kind of workout.”
I lean down and kiss her.I can’t help it.I could kiss her all day long, but her stomach growls, signaling that it’s time to find my girl some food.
“I’m happy to help you with this new fitness regime.Consider me your personal trainer.But first, I guess I’m your nutritionist.”I throw back the covers and get up from the bed.I don’t miss the way her eyes sweep over my naked figure.
“Nice flex there, stud.Subtle.”Mallory rolls her eyes as she teases me.She grabs a T-shirt off a nearby chair and pulls it over her head before she gets out of bed.I don’t know why she’s being shy now.I’ve seen, touched, kissed just about every inch of her body in the past fifteen hours.
“What’s your plan for today?”I ask.
“Nothing too exciting.Laundry, play with my nephews, avoid awkward questions about where I was last night, read.The usual.What about you?”
My gaze follows her as she goes into the bathroom and closes the door behind her.
“Have breakfast with you,” I say, pulling on my clothes.“I need to go over some reports and figures for the pier project.”
She opens the door and motions toward me with her toothbrush.“The pier is going well?No nasty surprises from the inspections?”
She brushes her teeth, and I lean against the doorframe, watching her.
