Page 77
It’s probably rude to bang around as much as I am, but it’s almost eleven. The clock is ticking, people!
When Shane eventually stumbles into the kitchen, shirt halfway twisted and black sleep shorts barely hanging onto his trim hips, I choke on my own spit. Normally, he enters the common areas after a workout or getting fully dressed.
I’ve never seen him in pajamas.
His shirt is hiked up on the right, giving me a teasing glimpse of inked vines over rippling abs and that deep muscular groove over his hip. I’m simultaneously trying to memorize the glorious sight and chiding myself for staring like a creeper.
The second thing making my eyes bug out is that the shirt is a gloriously soft-looking shade of heather green. It’s also a bit too large. All of Shane’s black clothes hug him to a distracting degree, but he looks positively snuggly in the oversized shirt.
“Good morning,” I chirp, my voice coming out too squeaky.
Shane rubs his eyes with a fist, grumbling a greeting.
Then he does something completely out of character. Shane shuffles over and pulls me into his arms, releasing a sleepy yawn into my hair. Mint toothpaste and his delectable cologne overwhelm my senses before I catch our reflection in the double oven door. The sweetest smile curves Shane’s lips as his lashes drift closed.
My heartbeat upticks, seeing him this happy.
“What do I have to do today?” His sleep-husky voice is simply delicious. “Play leapfrog? Tattle on someone?”
I huff playfully. “You don’t have to do anything. If you’re not having fun, we can stop.”
Shane chuckles, squeezing me tighter. “I like your plans.”
“Good, because I’m taking you to the beach.”
It’s too cold for the beach today since Mother Nature decided to rescind on spring, but I like to mess with my grouchy husband as often as I can.
Shane growls, his scruffy jaw scratching my neck. “I hate the beach.”
“Fine. I guess we’ll go to the arcade instead.”
He makes an agreeable grunt before dropping a kiss below my ear and releasing me. I have to grab the counter for balance because what just happened?
“Have you eaten?”
“Uh…um…”
The more important question is, did I just hallucinate this whole interaction? Out of habit, I check my CGM app to see if my blood sugar is out of whack, but nope, I’m in the green.
“I ate,” I say, squinting at the screen.
Shane slides three slices of crustless quiche on a plate before putting it into the microwave. “Did you really?”
When I glance up, his lips are in a flat line, and it feels like I can breathe again. This version of Shane I know how to deal with. I’m not sure what to do with Casually Affectionate Shane.
I suck in a breath. “A breakfast burrito at nine.”
Shane nods, satisfied. “Can we take the bike to the arcade? It seems like a nice day for a ride.”
“I was hoping we would.”
A moment of indecision skirts across his brow before Shane glances up to meet my gaze. “I like that you enjoy riding with me.”
It’s one of my favorite modes of transportation. I get to wrap my arms around Shane’s muscular body as we zip through town. It’s exhilarating, and undeniably sexy, and probably not good for my tender heart.
“It’s fun, and you know how I feel about fun.” I wink.
The corner of his mouth lifts before he takes a gulp of black coffee.
