Page 119 of Crossed Wires: The Complete Series

Andrew had appeared last night with that Zac Efron-looking scruff he’d sported inThe Lucky Oneand Amy had been a goner. Even without the short beard, Andrew was entirely too good-looking for her peace of mind.

“Start walking,” Andrew said, pushing her toward the doorway. “I’m feeling the need for a hearty breakfast. Gonna have to build up my strength. Then you and I will spend the rest of the day in bed—getting better acquainted in between naps while we recover from our jet lag. By the way, you’ll be chained to the headboard. Sound good?”

“Sounds perfect.” She struggled not to laugh when Andrew frowned at her response. God, he really was making this all too easy. “And just so you know, you’re not going to trick me into telling you anything about where I live.”

His grip on her arm tightened. Amy’s stomach clenched. She was a sucker for an alpha male.

They walked in silence down the hallway. Amy caught a glimpse of her suitcase in the guest room and felt like dancing. Her trip was saved after all. She wouldn’t go broke paying for a hotel room and she would be treated to night after night of nonstop, no-holds-barred sex with Andrew.

Could life get any better?

As they approached the kitchen, the sweet smell of coffee drew her straight to the counter. “If I promise to behave, will you take the handcuffs off and let me have a cup of coffee? Even hardcore prisoners get bread and water, you know.”

Andrew studied her face as she tried to hide her absolute glee. “Fuck. You’re going to be a pain in my ass, aren’t you?”

She winked at him.

Andrew chuckled as he released the cuffs. “Coffee cups are in the cabinet above the dishwasher. Help yourself. Gotta warn you. It’s strong.”

She was surprised—and disappointed—by his easy capitulation. She was hoping for more of a fight.

Andrew grabbed a skillet and placed it on the stove. Then he rummaged around in the refrigerator, bending over in search of something. She enjoyed the view of his arse as the material of his pants stretched and outlined it. She was almost sorry when he found the bacon and eggs. He turned around too quickly and caught her staring.

He lifted an eyebrow. “Enjoying the show?”

She ignored his arrogant comment, turning back toward the cabinet to find a mug. “Strong coffee sounds perfect. My head’s still fuzzy from so much travel. And sex.”

He chuckled. “Then we’re in the same boat.”

“Harper expected you to be away for a few weeks. What happened?”

He didn’t look happy at her mention of his sister. For a second she thought he might start questioning her again, hit her with a more intense third degree. Fortunately, he let it go. Though she had no doubt he’d badger her relentlessly later.

Harper was perfectly safe and having a great time. There was no harm in keeping her friend’s secret and having a bit of fun with her sexy brother along the way.

Andrew reached for a bowl, then cracked several eggs before stirring them with a whisk. Amy tried to decide if there was anything hotter than a shirtless man making her breakfast. “I spent two days traveling toward a monsoon before my producers realized that was a stupid thing to do.”

“Clever producers.” Amy took a sip of the coffee and winced. She wasn’t much of a coffee drinker and he wasn’t kidding about it being strong. He must’ve noticed her reaction.

“There’s creamer in the fridge and sugar on the counter if you want to cut that some.”

“What the hell is creamer?”

He lifted one shoulder. “It’s like milk.”

“So why don’t you just say milk?”

He shook his head, his expression the perfect mix of exasperation and humor. “I have no idea.”

She grinned, then accepted his offer. “Your job must be incredible. Traveling all over the world, seeing so many amazing places. I’m so bloody jealous, I can hardly see straight.”

Andrew’s face brightened as he threw some bacon in the pan to fry. His carefree expression reminded her of the man she’d slept with last night. He and Harper shared a striking family resemblance, with their dark complexions and crystal-blue eyes. “I’m not going to lie. It’s the greatest way to make a living. You travel much?”

She shook her head. “Actually, this is my first time out of Australia.”

“No way. I’ve been to Australia a few times with the show. I’ll admit there are some definite differences as far as the landscape goes. The red of the Outback, the lush green of the Tasmanian rainforests, the sapphire of the Blue Mountains, the fluorescent cityscape of the Gold Coast. Depending on where you’re from, of course. Do you find that to be true of your hometown? Does it have a color?”

He paused, clearly expecting her to answer.