Page 45 of Broken Headboards
Chapter Seventeen
Tess
“Austin?”
I roll to my back, my arm stretched over Austin’s empty side of the bed. I sit up, kicking the sheets back, and do a double take before I realize exactly where I am—Austin’s bedroom. A second later and the memories rush in, images of his naked body flashing in my mind.
My God, nowthatwas tango.
Swinging my legs off the bed, I pick his button up shirt from the floor and put it on. It looks so long on me that I could almost wear it outside as a dress. Sauntering out of the bedroom, I’m immediately hit by the smell of bacon and eggs, my stomach immediately coming alive. I follow the sweet scent of breakfast, actually feeling happier than I expected.
When I get to the kitchen, my bare feet lazily padding across the floor, I’m stunned to see Austin cooking. I thought he would have a chef or something, not that he’d actually wake up early just to cook me breakfast. Maybe he’s doing it just to impress me? Well, if that’s the case, it’s definitely working.
“Did you sleep well?” he asks me, looking back at me over his shoulder. Using his right hand to hold the pan, he wields a wooden fork with the other one, softly folding the scrambled eggs.
“Yeah,” I smile, remembering how it felt to fall asleep with my head against his chest, the warmth of his body on mine.
Finally done with all the cooking, he points toward the balcony, motioning for me to follow him. My breath catches in my throat as I see the carefully set table, the scenario simply too idyllic. On top of the white tablecloth draped over the table, there’s a pitcher of orange juice flanked by two plates of toasts and butter, and there’s a bowl filled with grapes to the side.
“What a gentleman,” I laugh as he pulls my chair back. Sitting down, I let my gaze wander over New York City skyline. No matter how many times I see it, it never gets old. And even though I get the chance to see a view like this every day—I live at Clarendon Tower as well—there’s nothing quite like sharing the moment...especially when it involves Austin.
Yeah, I can’t believe I’m saying it either. But as insufferable as he might be, there’s no denying it—I actually enjoy being around him, even if half the time we’re at each other’s throats. I guess the old trope of enemies to lovers still remains true, right?
“Oh, crap,” I slap my forehead, frowning as I realize that I’m missing something.
“What?”
“I don’t have my probiotic shake,” I groan as I lean back.
I know, what a petty thing to say when you have an actual billionaire cooking you breakfast, but what do you want me to say? You don’t get to have a body like mine if you don’t maintain it. And yes, that means working my butt off at the gym and being careful with what I put inside my mouth. And, also, yes...I know that there’s a dirty joke somewhere there.
“It’s a good thing I pay attention, then,” Austin merely laughs, folding his arms over his chest.
“What do you mean?”
“Whenever I see you leaving Clarendon Tower in the morning you’re always carrying some awful green goo with you. And, most disturbing of all, you’re actually drinking it.”
“It’s my health,” I shrug.
“I know,” he laughs, and then just flashes me a grin when the sound of his doorbell ringing drifts onto the balcony. Without a word, he just gets up from his seat and goes to get the door. When he returns he has a probiotic shake in his hands. And it’s the exact same brand I drink.
“I’m not too sure if I got the brand and flavor right, but I think this’ll do,” he says. “I sent my manservant to get it.”
“You’re unbelievable,” I posit.
“Am I?” he asks. “I thought I was being nice.”
“You trying to throw me off base here?” I ask. “Be nice to me so I won’t see you stabbing me in the back?”
He smirks. Cocky asshole.
“Maybe I’m trying to throw you off by using the word ‘manservant’” he says with a chuckle.
I can’t help myself and I laugh too.
He may be a cocky asshole. But he makes me laugh. And he’s kind.
I pour some orange juice into my glass and tear into breakfast. After the amazing sex we had last night, I feel ravenous. And yeah, I know I told you I was super disciplined when it comes to my diet but screw it. I kinda burned a lot of calories last night, so I guess I get a free pass this morning.
