Page 74 of The Boyfriend Experience

Like we’ve been this couple for decades instead of days.

And it’s only then that I remember that feeling I had earlier.

The feeling that I’ve missed something. Some clue that’s so obvious.

But her soft breathing tells me she’s asleep and it doesn’t seem fair to stay awake without her.

So I sleep too.

Because that’s all there’s left to do.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE - OAKLEE

I dream of smiling. Of laughing. Of happiness. And even though I’m asleep and I know it’s a dream, I know why I’m happy.

“Hey, sunshine,” a gruff voice whispers near my ear.

I know this is Law. I know it’s morning. And I know the next thing he says is going to be about leaving. About work. Or being late.

I open my eyes and smile for real. His face is right up next to mine, his eyes just inches away. The brown eyes with flecks of black and rings of green are pretty much the best thing to wake up to. Ever. “You’re leaving, right?”

“Not yet. It’s fuckin’ early.”

Which makes me laugh.

“I was gonna make breakfast first. What do ya like?”

I don’t even eat breakfast but I don’t want to say that. “Ummm… I dunno. Cereal?”

He makes a face. Which is adorable because out pops the dimple. “No, I mean like, real breakfast. Something hot.”

He’s hot. His stubble is clearly into the getting-me-wet territory. I didn’t see him wake up yesterday morning—God, was that only yesterday?—so I missed the morning stubble.

I never want to miss it again. I reach for his face, my hand finding a home flat on his cheek to feel the roughness. “Bacon?”

I’m pretty sure guys love bacon.

“How about French toast?” he offers up instead.

“Is French toast something on your regular menu?”

“No.” He smiles again. Fuckin’ dimple. “But it’s sweet and I want you to have something sweet to start the day.”

I sigh. It’s one of those God-I-might-love-you sighs. Contentment, or whatever. “Sure. I’d love some French toast.”

“OK,” he says, leaning over to kiss me on the cheek. “I’ll work on that while you wake up. Meet you in the kitchen in ten.”

I watch him get out of bed. Naked. He has a very nice ass. Like… those glutes get worked regularly. And his thighs. Jesus. He looks over his shoulder as he pulls on yesterday’s jeans.

Dimple. Only it’s a new dimple. This one has a twin and they are both in his lower back, right above his ass.

“You OK?” he asks. “Not having regrets about last night or anything, are ya?”

I shake my head no as I study his new tattoo. It’s gorgeous. Still wrapped up in that clear barrier Vivi put on it last night. The colors are fantastic. Bright and new. Just like this relationship. “Do you get a lunch, Lawton Ayers?”

He laughs. “I do. Eventually. But I got clients today, so there’s no telling when it’ll be. I’ll be back for dinner though. Still wanna go to dinner tonight?”

I nod my head. Let out a long breath of air. And wonder how I’m gonna get through an entire day without him.