Page 20 of Cinnamon Strudel
In the closet, she found a hoodie and some sweatpants and slipped out of her dress. The fabric hadn’t even hit the ground when the front door opened and the jingle of Blue’s leash echoed through the apartment. She hastened into the clothes, only tosee that Blue had found her. He stood at the entrance to the closet, tail wagging.
“Ruby?”
“Bedroom closet.”
When she stepped back into his Lego room with Blue on her heels, Morgan was inspecting the post office. “Did you find what you were looking for?”
“Not really—you didn’t give me much time to snoop,” she teased. “But I did steal some clothes.”
“What can I say? I couldn’t stay away from you any longer. This looks fantastic.”
“I enjoyed it very much.” Morgan set it down and straightened to his full height. “I can see why you’re obsessed with these.”
“They give my mind a break.” When his hand stretched out, it was almost an automated response for her to move closer. “Onto better things. Tell me what you chose to wear.”
Lacing their fingers together, she laid her other hand on his chest. “A hoodie and sweatpants.”
His free hand found the string of the hoodie and twisted it around his finger. “I can turn up the heat if you’re cold.”
“Maybe you can hold me instead?”
The tip of his tongue shot out, and she watched, mesmerised, as he damped his lips. “Oh, sweet Ruby, I would love nothing more.”
“I have a feeling you would love tying me up more.” Wow, where did that bravery come from? Oh, right—the wine.
“Only if you beg for it.” His fingers found her neck and seeming to follow the heat crawling up her face, they danced up her cheek. “I’m more than happy to spoil you with other kinds of affection.”
Her palm smoothed over his sternum until she wrapped her hand around his neck and tugged him down to her level. Herheart raced and heat pooled low in her stomach. “Morgan,” she breathed against his lips.
“You call that begging?”
“You are naughty.”
Morgan huffed a laugh, but his smile flashed right into his eyes, lighting up the desire hidden there. “I just can’t stop myself.” His thumb brushed her lower lip, his other hand guiding hers to his shoulder. “I’m going to kiss you now.”
Well, she couldn’t argue that. She arched onto her tiptoes, letting his lips press against hers. Her fingers brushed the soft stubble of his hair, her eyes fluttering shut. One of Morgan’s hands curled around the nape of her neck, the other flattening between her shoulder blades. His lips moved softly with hers and far too soon, he was pulling back. She didn’t dare open her eyes, letting her fingers trace over his short hair and relishing the moment.
“Let me see those gorgeous eyes.”
Her smile widened involuntarily. How could she deny him anything when he asked in such an intoxicating deep tone. The moment she pried her eyes open, his spring green eyes captured her.
“I have another request,” he admitted, his fingers fondling over her arms. “I would like for you to swap the hoodie for a lighter shirt.”
“I can do that,” her voice was thick, hardly recognisable.
It felt as if time slowed when Morgan bent down to steal another brief kiss before he laced their fingers together. She followed him back to the bedroom, rather lightheaded—and this time, she was positive that it had nothing to do with the wine.
In the bedroom, Blue nudged at the bed while Morgan disappeared into the closet. When he reappeared with two shirt options—one long-sleeved and one short—Blue nudged his leg as he passed, earning himself a chuckle. “He’s asking if he canget on the bed. I usually let him sleep with me, but tonight it’s up to you.”
“I don’t mind,” she agreed, taking the short-sleeved shirt.
Morgan signalled Blue to hop up before disappearing into the closet once more. He didn’t close the door, and when she saw a flash of tattooed skin, she couldn’t help but stare. She only forced herself to look away when his jeans dropped, distracting herself by changing and giving Blue attention.
Morgan had chosen basketball shorts and a sheer tank top for himself, letting the black lines of his tattoo peek through.
“Do you only have the one tattoo?”
“No, I have another one on my thigh.” Morgan rounded the bed and climbed onto the mattress. “Do you have any?” But before she could answer, he shook his head and smirked. “No, don’t say. I want to be surprised.”
