Page 76 of When You Blush

“Oh, good idea. Except I have a black thumb and don’t love the dirt.”

“Okay, I’ll grow, and you sell.”

She nods. “Except I hate people. We have to think of something else.”

“I hate to break it to you, sugar, but I think we have to keep our jobs.”

She sighs and rubs her nose over my chest. “Okay. Well, then, I’d better get up if I’m going to get to Xander’s, change, and get myself to work on time.”

“We have time for a quick breakfast,” I tell her. “If we hurry.”

“Right. Breakfast is our thing. Let’s do it.”

She pushes off me, but before she can leave the bed, I snag her wrist and tug her back to me. I grip her jaw and kiss her hard and deep.

“That’ll tide me over,” she whispers against my lips before I let her go.

Harper has made herself at home in the kitchen, which fills me with contentment. I lean on the counter as she whips up some scrambled eggs for breakfast burritos, watching her efficiently grate some cheese to add to the eggs.

She pulled her hair back into a ponytail, and she’s dressed in leggings and a T-shirt. Her face is clean of makeup.

She’s mine.

Harper glances my way, then does a double take. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Like what?”

She finishes grating and then starts to build the burritos. “I don’t know. I can’t put my finger on it.”

“I’m just watching you, sugar. I like having you in my kitchen.”

“It’s a great space. The countertops are freakinghuge.I could make some really great sugar-free cinnamon rolls here. Greg would love those.”

Move in with me, and this kitchen is all yours, sweetheart.Hell, she can have whatever the fuck she wants.

She licks her thumb, then taps her phone to light up the screen.

“No news from the family?” I ask.

“No, and no news is good news.” She grins and leans over to kiss my arm. I love how physically affectionate she’s become with me as if it’s as natural as breathing. “I’ll check in with Greg this evening. I told him I’d come to his place for dinner. I think some of the others are coming, too.”

My eyes stay glued to her as she plates the burritos and passes me one.

“Cheers.” She lifts her breakfast and taps it against mine before taking a massive bite. “Mmm, good.”

She does make one hell of a breakfast burrito.

Before I’m ready, we’re in the car headed back to Xander’s house, and we’re both quiet as we drive in the predawn light.

“Thank you,” she murmurs, and I glance over to see her watching me. “I had a really good time.”

“Me, too.” I take a breath and let it out slowly. “I’ll see you later today. I’ll swing up on my way to the ER before my shift.”

Her lips twitch. “I’d love that. I can swing through the ER on my way home from Greg’s and bring you a bite to eat for dinner.”

I nod, already excited to see her later. This is just how it might be for us for a while. Stealing moments here and there.

“You’re on for three days?” I ask her.