He wiggled his eyebrows. “Challenge accepted.”
“Are you sure? You’re the one who’s got to be in top shape in the morning. Paisley and I can have fun even if I’m sleepy.”
He groaned. “Don’t remind me about tomorrow. Let’s focus on tonight. It’s all about you.”
I lay back down on one side, smiling up at him but feeling a bit self-conscious that I was naked, which was ridiculous. But now that the hormonal craze was out of my system, I remembered that my thighs and ass were a tad too big for my liking. I tried to pull the bedsheet up to my middle.
Tate cocked a brow. “What are you doing?”
“Covering up my ass,” I blurted.
Oh my God. Why did I say that? Body insecurities were not sexy.
He tilted closer, a deep sound reverberating in his throat. “Lexi, you’re fucking beautiful. Don’t doubt that.”
I pressed my lips together, giving him a small smile.
Narrowing his eyes, he peeled the sheet off me, skimming his lips up my belly.
“What’s the plan, mister?” I whispered.
“I’m going to show you how sexy you are to me.”
“And how will you do that?”
“I’ll worship every inch of your body.” Goose bumps broke out on my belly. I smiled, trailing my fingers along his right shoulder. His voice was in a lower octave when he added, “Every. Single. Inch.”
It was nearly two o’clock in the morning when I finally arrived home. I was smiling from as I stepped inside my apartment. Not even bothering to take a shower, I dropped my clothes next to my bed and slid under the covers. I reached for my phone before I forgot to set the alarm again. To my surprise, he’d texted me.
Tate: Tell me when you’re home. I want to know you’re safe.
Grinning, I replied.
Lexi: I’m home. I slipped under the covers.
Tate: I wish I were there with you.
My heart gave a mighty sigh, and I knew he’d only just begun making me swoon.
Tate: I can’t stop thinking about you.
My body was sizzling again. My heart rate intensified.
Lexi: I can’t stop thinking about you either.
It was the truth, and I didn’t like playing games. Tonight had been incredible.
Tate: I can’t wait to see you tomorrow morning.
Lexi: I hope I won’t oversleep.
Tate: Then I’ll stay longer and wait for you.
Lexi: That’s how much you want to see me?
Tate: Oh no. I want to do a lot more. Kiss you, take your clothes off, but I also like seeing you. My mornings are better after that.
I laughed, intending to tease him, but then I stopped because what if he was serious? His gran had said something similar, so there had to be a seed of truth in it.
I dropped the phone to one side, pushing the pillow against my face. My belly was full of flutters, and I couldn’t believe it.
I didn’t know what to do with this longing I had for him. It wasn’t purely physical either. I liked talking to him, being with him, laughing with him. But he still had scars from his divorce, and I wasn’t sure he could do anything more than a fling.
I pulled the covers up to my chin. Enjoy how he makes you feel, Lexi. I placed a hand over my chest, smiling. Even if I could forget that he was hot as sin and kissed deliciously, I couldn’t ignore the way he made me feel.
Oh, Tate. What are you doing to me?
Chapter Fifteen
Lexi
The next morning, I was in a frenzy. I hadn’t heard the alarm clock, but I somehow woke up anyway. Only it was fifteen minutes too late.
I got ready quickly, choosing a red dress that brushed my knees and had a generous V-cut. It was hot as hell outside and told myself that was why I was wearing this.
I had a huge grin on my face as I left the building, and it hadn’t toned down one bit when I arrived at Tate’s house. But that was okay. I didn’t think Paisley would be able to tell if anything was different about me. Kids weren’t inherently suspicious.
I knocked at the door, bracing myself for the sight of Tate. To my astonishment, Declan opened it.
“Morning,” he said. “Gran and I stopped by for breakfast.”
“Hi,” I squeaked.
Oh wow. Is that my voice? What’s wrong with me?
I tried to dampen my smile as I stepped inside.
“I’ll come in the kitchen and see if I can help,” I said.
When I entered the kitchen and greeted Beatrice and Paisley, I realized I had no clue how to act around Tate. I stole a glance at him as I sat down in front of the plate Beatrice indicated was mine and found him looking at me.
One corner of his mouth tipped up in a smile. As he brought the coffee cup to his lips, he muttered, “I’m sorry,” darting his eyes at his brother and then at his grandmother. I took that to mean he didn’t know they would be stopping by.
I smiled to myself as I dug into my breakfast, which was an omelet today.
Midway through breakfast, I felt my skin heat up for no reason at all. I stole another glance at Tate. With a jolt, I realized he was watching me. It was as if my body was tied to him on a different level since last night. I could feel his presence and his gaze on me, even if I couldn’t see him.
Declan cleared his throat, and I realized he was looking between the two of us. Oh God, was he able to tell there was something different between us? Men could be oblivious to such details, but I didn’t know Declan well enough to know if that was the case with him too.
He wasn’t the only one watching us. Beatrice was also looking at me with a sort of knowing smile. I could practically feel her reading my thoughts. How was that even possible? I glanced back down at my plate.
“So, what brings you both here this morning?” Tate asked Declan and Beatrice. I mentally thanked him for shifting the focus.
Beatrice narrowed her eyes. “Declan told me last night that Malcolm is suing for the right to use my building.”
Tate stared at Declan, who held up his hands in defense.
“You try lying to Gran’s face when she asks you point-blank what’s going on.”
She shook her head. “You two are acting silly. I spoke to Reese. I guess you forgot to warn her to keep it a secret from me.”
Tate groaned. “I didn’t explicitly warn her.”
“Tate, I don’t appreciate being kept in the dark.”
“Gran, we’re taking care of it,” Tate said in a strong voice. He sounded so reassuring, like nothing could happen if he were in charge.
“Oh, I’m not worried,” Beatrice said. “With Declan representing me, I know this will go away.”
“It will,” Declan said in a voice that was as strong as Tate’s. “We’re not going to let anyone get away with anything or harm you. Or Reese.” His voice was cold now. It also had a menacing note, and I was hoping that whoever was causing trouble for them was cowering in their boots. They deserved it. I couldn’t deny I was melting a bit, seeing how both of them were so protective of their grandmother.
“That isn’t what this is about. It’s about how disappointed I am that you two didn’t tell me anything. Is this what you were so secretive about at the cookout?”
“Yes,” Tate admitted.