Page 95 of A Convenient Secret

Xander

Xander’s distraction.

Celeste

Xander’s allure.

Cora

I’m leaving this chat.

“Is everything okay?” I ask as Declan walks into the kitchen, hanging up his phone with a sigh.

He is bare-chested in his gym shorts, sweat beading on his skin. The man must have been the model for all Renaissance sculptors. I love that I can ogle him freely now.

“Other than you being unattended in the kitchen?” He takes a bottle of water from the fridge.

I refrain from rolling my eyes. “I was hungry.”

His gaze drops to the tub of ice cream and he raises his eyebrows. “Is that your breakfast?”

“I think it’s been established I can’t cook.”

“You can’t even make a sandwich.”

“That’s what I just said.” I stab at the mango sorbet, but it’s not very satisfying since it’s still frozen.

“Making a sandwich is not cooking, Seagull.” He chugs down his water. “It’s been established you’re a danger to yourself and others when in this part of the house.”

I glare.

Declan shakes his head, smirking. “How do you like your eggs?”

Okay, sorbet for breakfast was my desperate attempt to pack some calories and replenish my energy after the man seriously dehydrated me last night. But eggs sound way more appetizing.

“Sunny side up.” I close the tub, return it to the freezer, and lean against the counter.

The sun beams through the glass wall, making the morning bright and joyful. I’ve been smiling since I woke up. I can’t help it.

I let my eyes roam across his shoulders and down his abs to the happy trail. Perfection. My gaze languidly moves back up, and I meet his twinkling eyes and his smirk.

“Would you like me to turn slowly for you?”

“I wouldn’t mind that.” I bite my lip.

Declan launches at me, and I squeal as he lifts me, whips us around, and sits me on the counter.

“What am I going to do with you, little Seagull?”

“Whatever it is, can it please start with breakfast?” My stomach growls to confirm my need.

He kisses me, slowly, reverently. “Okay, sit here and don’t move.”

“Let me help, or I will never learn.” I wrap my arms around his neck, smiling.

He studies me and then sighs. “Fuck it, let’s burn down the kitchen.”

“Look at you being spontaneous.” I giggle, sliding down. “And I’m notthatuseless.”