“If I’d known that the way to your heart was that easy, I’d have started cooking for you a long time ago.” He surprised her by moving up behind her and leaning down to kiss her neck quickly before stepping back to the stove.
More warmth spread through her as she sat at the center island. She wasn’t used to such casual affection like this. Even with her ex, things had never been so relaxed and easy as they were with Logan. And Kevin had never once cooked for her. Commented on how much she ate, sure, but cooked? No.
On that thought she decided not to think about her ex at all today. He didn’t deserve space in her head. Not after everything she’d shared with Logan. Because Logan was one of a kind.
“Where did you even get bacon?”
“My brother got someone on the security team to do a delivery about an hour ago. Just a few more basic things we might need over the next week, and this makes it easy to stay put.”
“Is that safe? Him bringing stuff by, I mean?”
“It should be. I’m not friends with the guy who dropped everything off. No one after me should be watching him for any reason. Wyatt paid him extra to do this so I don’t feel too bad that he’s running errands.”
The tension that had started to build eased at his words. “Okay, then. If you’re not worried, then I’m not either.” Well, not too much, because she couldn’t help some fear. There was someone out there who wanted to hurt one or both of them.
“I hope you’re hungry, because I cooked a lot of bacon.”
“Those are the sexiest words you’ve ever said to me.”
He laughed, the rich sound rolling over her as he put a few pieces onto a plate and slid it in front of her. “I would ask if you want some fresh fruit, but I know what you’re going to say.”
She grinned. She really did have the palate of a twelve-year-old, something she knew she needed to change a little bit. But stuff like bacon was so good. Broccoli? Not so much. “If you’ve got blueberries, I could eat some.”
He glanced over his shoulder at her, lifting an eyebrow. “Fruit? Really? Have the pod people finally taken over?”
“Ha, ha. I’m trying to be more adult.”
“You’re in luck then, because we’ve got some. And after breakfast I’ve got something to give you.”
“You gave me plenty last night.” Boy, did he ever. More than once, and she was walking on cloud nine now because of it.
He snickered as he slid the sizzling pan off the burner onto a cold one. “Not like that. I got you a Christmas present, and I know it’s only Christmas Eve, but…” He shrugged. “I want to give it to you now.”
“I didn’t bring my gift for you.” It was still at home in her bedroom, wrapped up. She just hadn’t thought to bring it because things had been so rushed.
“I don’t care about that. I just want to give yours to you.”
She smiled at him and took a bite of bacon. “Then I will graciously accept your gift.”
He ended up making a couple pancakes for them as well, and she had to smile. He really was great in the kitchen. And there was something about eating home-cooked food instead of takeout that she really liked. But truly, the fact that Logan was the one cooking for her was incredibly sweet, and she was trying to wrap her mind around the fact that this could be something real. Not just sex.
After they finished breakfast, she washed the dishes—even though he tried to take over. She figured it was only fair since he’d cooked breakfast. But before she’d even finished drying their plates he was dragging her to the living room. Sure enough a little box was sitting prettily underneath the tree. For a moment her throat tightened with emotion that he’d thought to bring this.
He tugged her down in front of the tree and fireplace and set it into her lap. “Open it.”
She looked at the small rectangular box wrapped perfectly with silver-and-green wrapping paper and topped with a bundle of curling silver ribbon. It was very clearly professionally wrapped. “It’s so pretty I almost don’t want to open it.”
“Are you one of those people who unwrap presents slowly?”
“Of course. And I usually save the wrapping paper.” She worked in the public school system and was thrifty by nature; she recycled anything she could.
“I guess that’s where we definitely differ.”
She slid her fingernail under the tape on the back of the gift. “Somehow I’m not surprised. I bet you and your brother were tiny terrors when you were little on Christmas Day.”
“We definitely were. It was a massacre of shredded wrapping paper and bags all over our living room floor.”
Her heart skipped a beat as she slid the wrapping paper off and looked at the red box inside. It was definitely a jewelry box because she recognized the local jeweler’s name etched in gold on the top. “What is this?” she whispered.
He simply grinned.
When she opened it, her eyes widened at the sight of the beautiful, glittering diamond and topaz tennis bracelet. “Logan, this is incredible. It’s beautiful. And…” It was waaaaay too much. She’d seen this once when they’d been out on a Sunday doing brunch and window shopping, and mentioned how beautiful it was. Not in a million years had she ever thought he would get her something like this. Ever.
“I can read that look in your eyes. Don’t say it’s too much. Nothing is too much for you.” Without waiting for a response, he slid it out of the box and clasped it around her wrist.
She stared at it, then at him. “Thank you,” she said quietly. It still was too much but it was gorgeous and she loved it. Still… “I’m almost afraid to wear it. It’s so pretty.” And the truth was, she was afraid to accept all of this goodness, all this wonderfulness from Logan. She’d always thought that if something seemed too good to be true, then it very likely was. Which was bullshit where he was concerned. She knew that. But…it was hard to remind herself of that, to actually believe it. And right now she was swimming in too many emotions. This gift clearly meant something. He wouldn’t buy her something like this unless he was serious.
“The clasp is sturdy. Trust me. I had them check it and everything.”
“You’re wonderful and this is the best Christmas present I’ve ever gotten. Thank you.” She leaned forward and cupped his cheeks, pressing her mouth to his in a soft exploration.
Even though she was still scared of getting her heart broken, she was in this thing with him. She was giving them a chance. She wanted to see if they had a chance at something real, and he’d been so damn honest with her right from the start. He’d told her what he wanted from her and she was going to put her heart on the line with him.
Almost instantly, he deepened the kiss and she leaned into it, shifting forward until she straddled him, his covered erection rubbing against her core.
“Damn it,” he muttered as he pulled back from her. “I’ve got to grab condoms out of the truck. We ran out last night.”
She groaned too, not wanting to be separated from him, not wanting to wait a second longer, but she slid off him. “Well hurry up and grab them. When you get back you can fuck me while I’m in nothing but this bracelet.” She lifted her wrist and jangled it slightly.