Page 42 of Backdraft
He raised his eyebrows and shook his head slightly.
"What?"
He lifted the mug to his mouth and watched me over the rim. “Ah, nectar of the gods. Nothing, it's just the first time you've referred to Denver."
"Oh really? I hadn't realized." I tried to be nonchalant about it, but Denver was always there, would always be there in the background and how we'd spent our weekend. The only time we’d talked about it was after the kiss. The memory of that kiss found its way into bed with me every night with my body wanting more.
"Do you have plans for today?" he asked.
"Other than just trying to discover a bit about the town, not really. I was going to go grocery shopping to help fill the pantry and fridge, but other than that, not really." I pushed my hair out of my face, and he watched my hand.
"How about you?" I asked him.
He shook his head. "Nothing in particular. I'd be happy to join you on your rounds and maybe show you a little bit more of the town."
I didn't even think twice. "Sure, that would be great." Obviously, my subconscious was working overtime.
Was it weird they were making arrangements for the day like an old married couple?
"Great, what time did you want to go?" He downed the rest of his coffee, took their mugs to the pot and refilled them.
"It doesn't really matter. Oh, could you take the muffins out please? I'm just looking forward to no deadlines, pressure, or expectations. Just going with the flow and letting it happen." I took the refilled cup from him. Nodding my thanks.
"I like that plan." Taylor placed his mug on the table and grabbed a tea towel took the hot muffin tin out of the oven. He put it on the stove, I watched him fish two out of the pan and put them on a plate. He came and sat across from me.
He must have remembered how I took my coffee from when we were at the coffee shop here or from Denver. Either way, I was impressed. Then I reminded myself I knew how he took his coffee as well. Did something as simple as how we take our coffee hold significance?
"Want any breakfast? I think I'll whip up some eggs," he asked and munched the top of a muffin.
"Sure, thank you. Don't go to any trouble, though." I reached for a muffin and pulled the top off to nibble.
"No trouble. Scrambled eggs and bacon was my plan." He finished the muffin and took his mug to the counter. I watched him move around the kitchen, heating the pan, getting the eggs and bacon from the fridge.
Soon, the aroma of bacon filled the air. He scrambled eggs and mixed in sharp cheddar cheese, making my mouth water. He placed the plate in front of me. It was garnished with a fruit kebab.
"Wow, this looks wonderful. I didn't know you’re such a good cook." I lifted my fork, and he sat in front of me with his own plate.
"You never asked." He smiled around the bite of bacon.
"Maybe we just never had the time to discuss our lives." I paused with the fork midway to my mouth. Had I really just said that?
He laughed, and I joined in, easing the mood. And just like that, any tension I'd felt earlier was gone and I settled in to enjoy breakfast. Maybe we'd have a good day together.
"Well, I think I'll go and make myself look more presentable." I pushed back my chair.
"Don't feel you have to do that on my account. I think you look pretty damn nice just as you are."
Shivers of delight tingled along my arms, and I looked down at my oversized T-shirt and the black and white checked sleeping pants I had on.
"You need to get your eyes checked by a doctor," I told him when I rose and took our plates to the dishwasher.
He let out a burst of laughter. I tossed a dishtowel at him and ran out of the kitchen laughing before he could retaliate. "I'll be back shortly”
"If you need any help, just holler," he called after me.
I nearly tripped on the step. Just call him if I needed help? I climbed the stairs wondering if he was teasing. He had to be, right? But after our kiss… I didn't know what to think.
I can’t say I wasn’t tempted to holler for him.
