Page 38 of Prince of Her Heart
He smirked and knocked on the door, even though he could already feel the twitch of curious curtains across the street.
The door opened a moment later, and Tilda stood there in another flowered dress, today’s apron a cheery yellow instead of yesterday’s red, ruffled gingham.
“Oh, come in!”she exclaimed.“No need to knock, my dear.You’re family now.”
Technically, he wasn’t.But the sentiment landed in his chest with surprising weight.Warmth.Belonging.It felt… nice.He wasn’t used to it.With his mistresses, the open invitations had always come with strings—or rent checks.This was different.
“Thank you, Ms.Jones,” he said automatically.
She scoffed.“Oh, pish!Call me Tilda.”
With that, she bustled toward the kitchen, calling over her shoulder, “Coffee’s hot—help yourself.”
He followed, pouring a cup just as she paused at the door, pulling on a wide-brimmed straw hat.
“Heading to the farmer’s market for some fresh tomatoes.Making my famous salsa for the bachelorette party tonight.”
He froze mid-sip, mug halfway to his lips.
Tilda glanced back with a knowing smile.“I suspect my girl snuck out last night.”
Ramzi’s grip tightened on the cup.
Tilda grabbed her enormous purse, slinging it over her shoulder.“She and Stacy probably stayed up all night giggling about wedding stuff.”
He exhaled slowly, setting the carafe back on the warmer.“I’m sure it was a lovely night for Tabitha,” he replied evenly.
It was, he thought.Because he’d made sure of it.
He took a seat at the kitchen table, letting the scent of something warm and sweet from the oven fill his senses.His body still hummed with memories of Tabitha—her laughter, her sighs, her impossible determination.
And somewhere deep in his chest, something quiet and certain settled into place.
She was it.
Chapter 16
Tabitha rolled over and cracked one eye open.
Too bright.
She groaned and flopped an arm over her face.Her body begged for another five—maybe six—hours of sleep.Unfortunately, her mind had other plans.
Last night came rushing back in a flood of memory.
And for a moment—just a moment—a dreamy smile curled her lips.
Then the realization hit.
She’d had sex.With Ramzi.
“Oh, good grief,” she muttered, yanking the sheet up over her head.
Her brain spun in all directions, trying to make sense of it.Her body?It was humming with the memory of his hands, his mouth, the wicked way he’d coaxed pleasure from her again and again until she was left trembling and breathless.
But now… she had toseehim again.
Coffee.That was the only thing that might make this morning manageable.
