Page 95 of Love Me Stalk Me
I narrow my eyes, but he just hands me the coffee, unbothered. The mug is warm against my palms, the rich aroma drifting up to tempt me.
I take it, mumbling, "Thank you."
Wesit down at the table, plates of actual breakfast in front of us. Eggs, bacon, toast. It smells like heaven. Steam rises from the perfectly cooked food, making my mouth water despite my hangover.
I glance at him. "So, uh...what happened last night?"
He leans back, sipping his own coffee. "You got wasted. Amanda shoved me in a booth with you. You nearly passed out in the restaurant. I drove you home."
I’m stunned. "You drove me home?"
He nods, taking a sip of his coffee like it's not a big deal. "There was no way I was letting you get into a car with a stranger."
I put my coffee down too hard, the liquid lurching up the side of the cup. "Wait. I tried to get into a car with a stranger?"
His lips twitch, like he's holding back a laugh. "No, I meant a cab."
I exhale dramatically, pressing a hand to my chest. "Jesus, Callahan, clarify faster next time. I thought you meant I was about to get kidnapped."
He takes a sip of his coffee, and then the ghost of a smile twists his lips. "Not on my watch."
I roll my eyes, but something warm and stupid unfurls in my chest.
He didn't have to do any of this. He could have put me in a cab, washed his hands of me, let me deal with my own bad decisions.
But he didn't.
Instead, he drove me himself.
Made sure I was safe.
Stayed in my apartment to look after me.
Because that's who he is.
Protective.
Uncompromising.
Steady.
And the worst part?
I love that about him.
"That was...really sweet of you," I murmur, tracing the rim of my mug with my finger. "I'm sorry I ruined your night."
He shrugs. "You didn't."
I poke at my eggs, suddenly feeling weirdly shy. The yellow yolk breaks, spreading across my plate. "Where, uh...where's your shirt?"
"Soaking. Got grease on it while cooking. Didn't want the stain to set."
I nod slowly. "Oh."
"Does it make you uncomfortable?" he asks, cocking a brow, his voice tinged with amusement.
Before my brain can stop my mouth—I—like an absolute fucking idiot—say, "Oh no, I prefer it."
