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His jacket was draped over my chest, and the trash from our dinner was still left out on the coffee table. He must’ve refused to move when I fell asleep on his lap, however the hell that happened.

It was completely out of character for the Austrian. I didn’t know how to deal with this new side of a man who I thought couldn’t care less about anyone else. It also didn’t bode well for my already out-of-control attraction.

After tossing Nigel to the side for the sake of his future, I was an absolute mess emotionally, and having a disgustingly gorgeous older man take care of me spelled trouble.

Bigtrouble.

I stirred, lifting at the waist a little in hopes of subtle escape, and his eyes opened the second I moved. It was only for a moment, but his face expressed a quiet shock, then the emotion fled. Smirking, he touched my hair and patted it down, likely because it was a mess.

“Awake?”

“What gave it away?” I sassed and moved to get up all the way, ignoring my thundering pulse. “Sorry about that. I shouldn’t have—”

“It was a tough night. I was happy to surrender my body to you for a bit so you could recover from it,” he whispered, voice husky from sleep.

“Could you possibly not phrase it like I jumped you, thanks.” I hid a smile despite how annoyed I was. “I should go home. I’ve got school, and I’m terrified of what rumors might start if anyone saw us together.”

Phillip stretched out his arms and waist, captivating my gaze for a second before I reined that shit in. “It’s nearly six a.m. You’re better off just staying for breakfast and leaving for school early so no one suspects us.”

“Again, rephrase,” I growled, slouching. “But I guess you’re right. These clothes are cleaner than most of the ones I go to school wearing.”

“That’s terrifying,” he replied with a grin. “If we’re going to be partners, you’ll be washing your clothes on a regular basis. Also, you’ve got clothes in a drawer in the guest room.”

There’s a guest room?

“I what?”

“I bought a few things when I was out yesterday. We’re partners. It’s going to happen often, you and I staying out together and sharing a place to sleep. Just smart to have something here for you to use.”

I was uncomfortable with how well the dude thought this all out. “Something tells me they’re nothing like the usual things I wear.”

“I refuse to have a partner with no style,” was all he said and I groaned audibly, knowing that I’d hate every item of clothing. They’d be name-brand and expensive, and I’d look like an absolute asshole.

But if it was one thing the night had done for me, it was to save me from being alone to drown in my heartbreak. Sure, it was with a jerk who didn’t know when to filter out the thoughts in his head, but I actually had fun.

I enjoyed our little movie night and story share about Grams. I learned a lot about who she was, and her personality never changed.Shenever changed. She was still the same ballbreaker now that she was when she first started as a Hunter. Ironically, she also found Phil annoying and didn’t give him the time of day for nearly three years before he weaseled his way into her heart.

Guess Grams and I were a lot alike.

“Can you even cook?”

“Fruit Loops not going to do it for you?”

I scoffed, not the least bit surprised. “Do you even have anything in your fridge?”

Phillip hummed and fingered his hair absently. “I did grab some things from the grocery store just in case you came by.”

“That’s cute of you,” I remarked sarcastically and stole away to the kitchen.

Finding enough to make a couple of omelets, I searched the cabinets for cookware. Thankfully, he had stuff like that. Because if he didn’t cook, I wouldn’t be surprised if all his cabinets were empty. Every cabinet was packed with everything a professional chef needed. Weird for someone who didn’t cook at all, but who was I to judge.

I served up a couple plates of food, then quickly scarfed down my portion like I hadn’t eaten in years to the horror of my partner. Before leaving, I tossed Phillip a look. “Thanks for the other night.”

His shock showed on his face. “So you can actually say thanks.”

“Also, find another way to get to school.” I held up the car keys I’d swiped from his pocket, and the Austrian’s eyes widened comically. “I’ll make sure to park it far enough away so that no one suspects us.”

Phillip couldn’t match my speed out the door by the time I pulled out of his driveway. I headed to school with a big grin on my face.