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I walked out of the greenhouse and explored. Attikus had an abundance of flowering trees and shrubbery. The fresh air invigorated me. With joy radiating in my heart, I skipped around the yard in my flip-flops as though the space was mine.

No one was here but me, so I could sing if I wanted to. It had been a long time since I felt this carefree. I didn’t know how long this would last, so I had to take advantage of this rare moment. A rabbit raced out from behind a budding Azalea bush and darted across the lawn. It paused and looked at me.

“Hey, there,” I said, stepping forward.

The bunny hopped into a bush by the kitchen sliding door.

When I looked up, my heart galloped at the gorgeous man wearing only cotton pants. Attikus’s bare shoulders and chest showcased a spectacular form with taut muscles. Saliva pooled in my mouth. Who knew he had such an incredible abdomen?I could use it as my painting palette. I wanted to run my hands over those fantastic ridges.

My throat grew dry, staring at him. My dream about him resurfaced. Then I saw my reflection in the sliding glass panel and gasped. My curlers dangled from my hair—one clinging haphazardly to one side—and my thin T-shirt revealed my breasts and pebbled nipples. I could die from embarrassment.

Why was he up at this hour?

Attikus opened the sliding door. “Would you like some coffee?”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

ATTIKUS

“No, thanks.”Vanessa rushed past me and out of the kitchen.

Smiling, I stared after her, noticing she hadn’t taken off her flip-flops. If I were a decent man, I’d leave her alone, but I was an aroused man who needed one more look at his striking fiancée.

“You forgot the flip-flops, Lily Pad.”

“Ugh.” She cursed, removed the flip-flops, turned around, and walked back to me. My eyes darted to her chest, loving their shape and wondering what they’d feel like—taste like.

She took my empty hand and placed the flip-flops in it. “Here. Since you wanted to seethem.”

She knew me so well.

“They’re perfect,” I said, placing the flip-flops on the mat. “Who wouldn’t? They’re the best thing I’ve ever woken up to.”

She rolled her eyes and turned to head out of the kitchen.

“Wait.”

She huffed out a breath and whirled to face me. “What?”

“Do you have any pressing projects?”

“Why?”

“I need to take you somewhere important this weekend.”

“Where?”

“You answer me first.”

“Why?” she asked, looking annoyed.

Despite that, she turned me on.

Her eyes darted to the bulge in my pants.

“If you answer my question quickly, you can leave the kitchen.”

“I have nothing pressing.”