Page 96 of A Convenient Secret

“That remains to be seen,” he mumbles, but opens the fridge to get eggs.

Five minutes later, and after seven failed attempts at breaking an egg into the pan without crushing shells into it, the kitchen is messy, and we’re nowhere close to having breakfast.

But we are closer to each other. While Declan complains about the mess and keeps wiping the surface, he does it with lightness.

It’s like last night wasn’t about sex only. Like he allowed me in, just a bit, and he dropped his typical glower. He dropped some of the walls.

We’re also literally closer, because even if I’m making the cooking impossible, Declan doesn’t seem to be able to stop touching me—he kisses my shoulder, swats my ass, caresses my hip.

He steps behind me as I pick up another egg. Ialmost moan at the feel of his warmth on my back. He snakes his arms around me and takes my hands into his.

“We will get it right this time.” He guides my hand to the edge of the pan. “You crack it gently.” His scent is distracting. “With your thumbs, you separate the two parts and let the egg drop.”

He uses his thumbs to gently pry the shell apart, and the egg slides into the pan.

I bounce like it’s my doing. “I did it.”

“Yes, but we’re running out of eggs for you to practice on, so let me finish it.” I pout and Declan sighs. “You can make the toast.”

“You really want to burn down the kitchen?” I tease.

He kisses my forehead. “I believe in you.”

I heard him say the same to Zoya and Zach a few times. “Are you unleashing your inner daddy on me?”

As soon as the words are out, a jolt of electricity cruises through me. Declan’s shorts bulge, and he looks at me like I’m his breakfast now.

The air between us zaps. I lick my lips. He moves the pan away from the heat. The thermostat in the house must have short-circuited, because it’s so hot suddenly I want to fan myself.

And then my stomach growls so loudly, the moment is gone. I cover my face, chuckling.

“You will call me Daddy again after you eat.”

Why is that so hot? Not just the request itself, or my desire to execute it, but the way he demanded. Not youcancall me. Youwillcall me Daddy.

“Sorry, I have to take this,” Declan groans and answers his phone, walking over to the windows.

We showered after our breakfast and ended up back in his huge bed. Sated on food and orgasms, we’ve been talking and, to my surprise, cuddling.

If someone told me two days ago that Declan Quinn was a touchy-feely guy, I wouldn’t believe it.

The afternoon sun shines through, making him just a shadow, but I still can’t help admiring the outline. His broad back narrows in a perfect triangle to his hips and toned ass. I can stare at this man for the rest of my life and not get bored.

“I don’t understand why you believe that listing the same arguments would change my mind. I’m done discussing this, Corm. I won’t change my mind.”

His shoulders tense, and he taps his fingers on his thigh. I don’t know what’s going on, but I feel like I shouldn’t be listening. I slide from under the covers and pad over to the bathroom.

I drink water and wash my hands to busy myselfand give him privacy. When I look up, Declan is leaning against the door frame.

Our eyes meet in the mirror.

“Is everything okay?” I ask.

He steps toward me and hugs me from behind, burying his head in the crook of my neck. He doesn’t speak. He doesn’t move, but the weight of whatever is troubling him radiates from his body.

I lean my head against his, caressing his biceps. We look like a real couple in the mirror. Like two lovers who trust each other. Two people who support each other.

My heart beats faster, seeing the picture I see in the mirror. Not because it’s a lie. But because of how much I wish it was the truth.