Page 86 of The Mating Quest

Easing out of his arms, she wriggled out from the covers, sweat pouring down her temples. She threw on clothing, then cranked down the air conditioning and headed for hershower.

After, she dressed in yellow cotton tank top and white shorts. Barefoot, she made breakfast for both of them, knowing the frying bacon would nudge him awake. Sure enough, when she finished, sliding the eggs and bacon onto a plate and setting it on the table, he came downstairs, yawning and running a hand through his tousled hair. He still had a sleepy, sexy look about him. And something else…poking out from his graysweatpants.

Abruptly she turned, busying herself at the stove to avoid her fascinated gaze from staring at him, because her mouth watered for something other than the food on thetable.

“Breakfast is ready. I figured you’d be starved, after what happened,” she toldhim.

Two warm hands settled on her shoulders, gently squeezed. “Thank you, Ilana, for warming me last night. I dreamed I was lost in a frozen wasteland and then felt you by my side. You helped me regainmyself.”

He dropped a soft kiss on her bare shoulder and then headed for the table. Her skin tingled where he’d kissed it, and a flush ignited her face. Judging from her reaction, you’d think she was a doe-eyedvirgin.

Not a 700-year-old plusMage.

Ilana sat across from him at the table and poured a hefty amount of brown sugar on her oatmeal. At least she hadn’t burned it. They ate in silence for a while. Finally his fork clattered to theplate.

“What is it? Why are you so quiet,Ilana?”

Glancing up, she saw a little frown on his face. Ilana went to give her customary shrug, and then realized she no longer wanted to pretend indifference. Not withhim.

For the first time in her life, she wanted to be open and not hide her feelings. Oh, she knew how to protect herself physically and fight. But after the horrific experiences with Cormac, the Dark Fae who’d hurt her, she’d concealed her emotions from theworld.

Burn me once, shame on me for being naive. I will never let anyone burn meagain.

Yesterday Ethan had gone out of his way to please her. He’d shown a side that made her guard drop. He’d taken a chance, and it was time she did aswell.

“Nothing’s wrong. I feel a little awkward because I don’t know what tosay.”

Ethan’s frown deepened. “Why do you feel awkward all thesudden?”

She toyed with her oatmeal. “Because things have changed between us, Ethan. I find it way easier to have you as an enemy or even a bossyleader.”

As he started to scowl, she added quickly. “Easier, but easier isn’t better. I like you this way. But I’m not used to guys treating me well or caring about them and wanting to take it further than superficial friendship. At least I haven’t in a long time. I guess… I’m so used to them being asses and hurting me, I’m still wary about what comesnext.”

He blinked, as if she’d surprised him. Then his expression relaxed. Ethan’s gaze softened. “I’m not going to hurt you, Ilana. I’m deeply in your debt for all you’ve done. You’re an amazing woman. But I don’t want to pressure you or make you uncomfortable. Let’s take it one step at a time, beginning with this breakfast.Okay?”

His easy manner eased her tensions. Ilana spooned more of her oatmeal. “Okay.”

“Did you resteasy?”

She glanced at him. “It was nice, sleeping in your arms. You were so cold and pale and I worried aboutyou.”

Ethan’s gaze held a hint of tenderness. “It was quite nice. I slept deeply, but woke up once to find you holding me. It feltright.”

Ilana smiled. “Itdid.”

“I woke up this morning and you were gone, and I was cold again,” he said quietly, studying herface.

“Someone had to make breakfast and it was my turn.” Then she dropped her spoon and made a face. “Ugh. I loathe oatmeal. Even with lots ofsugar.”

He raised his brows. “Why eatit?”

“If I had another piece of fatty bacon, it would be worse thanoatmeal.”

“Then, why did you makebacon?”

Ilana looked straight at him. “Because you likeit.”

His expression went blank, as if he hid what he thought. Ethan gave a brief nod, polished off his breakfast. “Finish eating while I shower, and meet me in the office. We have a lot to go over before we leavetomorrow.”