Page 48 of Finding New Dreams

She sat down on the stool and stared at her steaming omelet, then at me. “I thought you weren’t a morning person.”

“Oh, I’m not, but I got a wake-up call from Chloe this morning, so I thought I’d make the most of it.”

Rose stiffened. “Was she freaking out? She probably had no idea what happened when you didn’t come home last night!”

“Relax,” I said, giving her hand a pat. “I texted her last night that I wouldn’t make it home, and she didn’t question it. Growing up, I rarely spent the night in my own bed if I could help it. She’s used to it. She just called me this morning to remind me again that Owen and I still need to get measured for tuxes and that Hunter volunteered to go with us so he’s out of the way for your bridal party dry run.”

Rose released a big sigh. “Crap, I almost forgot about the dry run today. Thankfully, we have plenty of time.”

She dug into her omelet. Her eyes rolled up as she groaned. “Umff, that is so damn good.”

The front of my pants tightened, and I shifted in my seat. “Maybe you should add that to your list too. ‘Must cook breakfast for me.’”

“Maybe I will.” She sipped her juice. “Usually the only person who cooks for me is Gina. And that’s just because she hates to think of me eating alone every night.”

What was that like? Having a friend who cared enough about your daily wellbeing to fill in a few of the gaps?

The only communication I got was mostly checkups from Ozzy and booty calls. Well, until I’d come back here. Now it was sisterly reminders and a few hangout messages from my old friends.

Rose, on the other hand, had cared enough to help me with my painting, take me out kayaking, invite me up here to stay out of the rain. But more than that, she’d talked to me, touched me in a way that anchored me when I’d felt nothing but adrift for months. Maybe longer.

And I’d repaid her by nearly laying her out on her couch and showing her just what kind of man I was.

Some sliver of conscience had poked through my thickening desire. But even then, I couldn’t resist soaking up as much Rose as possible before sleep had overtaken her.

“What is that?” Rose’s strangled voice broke through my thoughts.

I looked up from my half-eaten omelet, which was very good, to see her pointing at a book I’d left on the island.

“Oh, that,” I said, dabbing my mouth with a napkin, thoroughly enjoying her horrified expression. “That would be one of your dirty books I found by the couch when I woke up this morning.”

“You read it?”

“Of course.” I rested my elbows on the island and leaned toward her with a smirk. “It was…educational. And very inspirational.”

Rose looked like she might melt on the spot.

“Do you mind if I take it with me? I’d like to finish. The book, that is,” I added, my smirk deepening.

To my surprise, she laughed. “Sure, why not? Everyone could use a little more romance in their lives.”

“Mmm, and some surprise sex in a coat closet at a club.”

“With the right person, definitely,” she said with a saucy wink that nearly slayed me.

Was this what it was like for some couples? Laughter and dirty jokes over breakfast, maybe a shower together, then a kiss goodbye?

My living arrangements with Lorraine had been more like ships passing in the night. We were rarely even home, and if we were, it wasn’t to do domestic things like this.

“That was delicious,” Rose said, clearing her empty plate and cup from the table. “Thanks again. I like to go for a run, mornings like this. I’d ask you to join me but—”

“—I’m not dressed for it,” I finished for her, helping her with the dishes. “And even if I were, I’m not much of a runner. I’d be sucking eggs after a few blocks. I should go back to Chloe’s and shower before that poor guy takes my measurements.”

She smiled. “Sounds good. And you’re sure you’re fine handling the gallery by yourself while I’m at the dry run?”

“Of course. That’s what I’m here for.”

After swiping the book off the table, I tugged my boots on and grabbed my jacket, my back to the door. She stood a few feet away from me, tugging at the sleeves of her sweater.

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