Page 150 of Fixation

His huff of a laugh sounds almost sweet.

“I gave you my word. Not today. Well, maybe not now.” I’m off the bed, naked in his arms as we head upstairs.

“But one day, you will?”

“Yes.” He shrugs. “You should be flattered. I’ve never wanted to be this close to anyone. Never felt this wrecked over another person. You make me come undone. Make me want this type of connection with you. As twisted as it is, that’s what I want from you. From us. So…yes.”

My body fills with warmth. With another emotion that’s deep, powerful, and dark.

I believe him. I do.

Nevertheless, I tell him it’s okay.

I sayyesto breakfast.

25

HARPER

My whole body feels heavy. Limbs, soul, everything.

My head weighs a million pounds. I sit at the dining table at my house, my head perched on my hands, and watch Anderson make us that breakfast he promised.

The coffee is already hot. The pan is sizzling. Scents of bacon, eggs, and toast reach me. They’re as mouthwatering as watching him cook for me.

My only issue is he doesn’t say a word.

“Anderson?” Is it strange that I miss his voice?

I don’t think so.

I’m done being angry, done resenting him and everything that came before today.

My soft voice, my inability to take my eyes off him, that’s not forced. That’s not me trying to manipulate him.

These feelings…they’re real.

There’s no denying it anymore.

In the span of a couple of hours, I had sex, was showered, dressed in my own white shirt and my gray sweatpants that Anderson keeps in his closet.

He tended to the bruise on my cheek. Bandaged my ankle. Double and triple-checked it for swelling.

The fact that my condition hadn’t worsened didn’t stop him from spreading kisses over my body as if his mouth were medicine.

Then, while still in Anderson’s bathroom, he lathered me in lotion. The same brand of lotion that I use. I wasn’t surprised. Wasn’t upset. Grateful he was there with me, I let him spoil me.

After years of taking care of myself, I just accepted his nurturing.

And hey, the lotion at his house hadn’t gone bad like mine did.

Anyway.

From there, he carried me to my place. Where we’re about to have breakfast together.

Aseeminglyaverage couple.

Emphasis onseemingly.