Page 77 of Sliding into Love
Something tight in my chest loosens. I didn't realize how much I needed his approval until this moment.
"Thanks, Bell," I say quietly.
"However," Bellamy continues, his tone shifting to big brother mode, "if you hurt them, Kenneth, I will make your life very difficult. Just so we're clear."
Kenneth says, squeezing my hand. "Crystal clear. But you don't have to worry. I'm not going anywhere."
Bellamy studies him for a long moment, then nods. "Good. Maybe lock the door next time you're making out in the office. For everyone's sake."
He's gone before either of us can respond, leaving Kenny and me standing there, still holding hands, processing what just happened.
"Well," Kenneth finally says. "That went better than expected."
I turn to face him fully. "Yeah, it did. You really meant that? About not going anywhere?"
"Every word." He brings our joined hands to his lips, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. "You're stuck with me, Your Majesty. Better get used to it."
And despite all my reservations, all my fears about what this means and where it's going, I find myself smiling.
"I think I can manage that, Little Menace."
He grins, pulling me close again. "Good. Now, about that locked door suggestion…"
I laugh, pushing him away playfully. "We have work to do."
"You're no fun."
"I'm plenty of fun. Just not in the office during business hours."
"What about after business hours?"
I give him a look that promises exactly what he's hoping for. "After business hours, you're all mine."
The heat in his eyes makes my stomach flip. "I'm counting down the minutes."
"Me too, Little Menace. Me too."
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
KENNETH
I wakeup to the smell of coffee and sweetness. Cinnamon, maybe?
"You're awake."
I turn to find Royce standing in the doorway, holding two mugs of coffee. They're wearing soft lounge pants and one of my t-shirts, and their hair is adorably mussed. I’d ask when they took the shirt, but I find I don’t really care.
"Morning," I say, my voice rough with sleep.
"Morning” They cross to the bed, handing me one of the mugs. "You left your shirt here last week. I may have been sleeping in it since then. I only washed it yesterday so don’t worry about it smelling bad or anything."
The admission makes my chest warm. "Yeah?"
"Don't let it go to your head, Little Menace." But they're smiling as they climb back into bed beside me, settling against the headboard. "I also made cinnamon rolls. The premade kind, not from scratch, because I'm not that ambitious before nine in the morning.”
"You made me breakfast again?”
"I made us breakfast. There's a difference. And last time I bought it. Don’t mix up the two. One requires a lot less effort.”
