Page 82

She’s not at all quick to get ready, and I have to deflect all her advances in the shower, which requires superhuman strength and ninja skills. Her teasing is top-notch, along with her wet, sun-kissed body.
I thought she’d appreciate a day together that didn’t revolve around sex. You know, one where weactuallytalk.
But she can’t keep her hands off me.
“Stop, brat, so I can take you to breakfast like a gentleman.”
She sticks her bottom lip out and strokes my traitorous erection. “I’d rather have breakfast in the shower.”
I grin but knock her hand away. “I bet that pout works on your boyfriend, but it won’t work on me.” I slap her ass, one hundred percent regretting it when her skin reddens and my cock twitches. “Now, be good.”
She rolls her eyes, and I spank her again, secretly falling in love with this dynamic.
By the time she gets out of the shower, I’m dressed in jeans and a button-up and working on my first cup of coffee. I’m on my second cup when she exits my bedroom in a pair of leggings, an oversized team hoodie, her high-top Converse, and her hair in loose waves. She’s ridiculously adorable.
Dread curdles in my stomach, and I glance away. I have no business dating someone this young and pretty. Eventually, she’ll figure that out too.
We walk two blocks to a diner without notice from the paparazzi. Still, I keep my hands in my pockets.
Not holding her hand or touching her feels wrong, and I question how long I can continue this charade.
The hostess asks if we want a booth or a table, and I select a booth in the back. Aurora gives me a disappointed glance, and I remind myself not to treat her like a secret—although she is.
We only have forty-five minutes before we need to leave for Santa Monica. After I check my watch repeatedly and mention our time crunch, she gives me another frown, and I realize my overbearing attitude won’t be as well received outside the bedroom.
She orders an egg white omelet with spinach and a bowl of fruit, and again, my mouth doesn’t get the memo to shut up.
“That’s all you’re eating? Please tell me you eat more than that.”
“I have a nutritionist. It’s better if I eat small portions every four hours.” She gives me a soft smile. “I promise I’m not starving your son.”
Your son. Fuck, I love that.
I take out my phone to set a reminder of her eating schedule when I get a taunting message from Jackson.
Captain Diva: How’s my girl this morning? She recovering from our strenuous day together?
I bet he was itching to tell me they were fucking and going mad, wondering if we were doing the same. I text him back with a smug grin.
Me: Strenuous? She seemed energized to me. But don’t worry, she rested in my bed after.
Captain Diva: About to be my bed permanently. See you soon, asshole.
Me: You better learn how to share, or I might keep her.
Captain Diva: Eat a fat dick.
Me: So not yours then?
Our back-and-forth banter has me chuckling, but then I glimpse Aurora’s slumped shoulders and pinched brows, and confusion overtakes my amusement.
I place my phone down. “What’s wrong?”
She shakes her head, suddenly fascinated by the traffic outside the restaurant.
“Aurora, this isn’t going to work if we don’t communicate.”
Narrowed whiskey eyes meet mine. “And what are we working on?”