Page 43 of Cinnamon Strudel
After a long, exhausting shift that night, she brought some food back to Morgan’s.
“Hi, you two gorgeous gentlemen,” she greeted as she walked up to him and Blue.
“We have an unexpected visitor.”
She welcomed his arms around her and let him take the paper bag. “We do?”
“Yes, I texted you a few minutes ago. Manuel showed up with some paperwork.”
“I think we have enough to share.”
“I’m sorry—he didn’t know you were coming back tonight.”
“You don’t have to justify yourself. I can’t hoard all your attention for myself. I just hope we have enough food because I’m hungry.”
“You should be; you’ve been on your feet all day.”
Entering the apartment, she was greeted by a dining table scattered with papers. Manuel leaned over them, talking excitedly on the phone. He waved before continuing his conversation.
“Maybe we should lay the food out in the kitchen. Manuel has taken over the table,” she giggled.
“He has, huh?”
She followed Morgan into the kitchen and as he sorted through the containers, she wrapped her arms around him from behind. With her hands pushing under his shirt, she laid her cheek against his spine.
“I have to go into the office tomorrow, so I’ll be out of here around eight. You’re more than welcome to stay as long as you need.”
“I’ll leave with you. I picked up some extra hours.”
Manuel stepped in and cocked his brow. “Maybe I should leave.”
She grinned at him, hugging Morgan even tighter and letting some of his skin show as she pushed his shirt higher. “Maybe you should.”
“I agree,” Morgan teased, squirming.
“There should be enough food for you,” she explained. “But you can’t have my cake.”
“He should be grateful he gets anything at all.”
Manuel’s hands shot up in defence. “The faster we get finished with work, the faster I’m out of your hair.”
“Eating in front of you would be rude.” She pushed a plate across the counter to him. “And I was the one to keep Morgan out of the office this morning anyway.”
They dug in, and once she was no longer starving, she curled up on the couch and started doom scrolling on her phone. She didn’t even realise she’d dozed off until Morgan lifted her into his arms and carried her to bed. Bleary eyes landed on where Manuel still studied the papers like his life depended on it, bouncing between two laptops and a pot of coffee.
When Manuel saw her watching, he grinned sheepishly. “Don’t try anything. I’m not afraid to come in there and drag him out.”
She returned the grin and offered him a wave.
Morgan sat her on the bed and placed her bag beside her. “This might take a while, but I’m just a call away.”
“Is everything okay?”
He shrugged and took her face in his hands. “It’s nothing I’m too worried about.”
“Well then I won’t waste a thought on it either.”
“Now, sleep tight and don’t wait up on me.”
