Page 87 of All the Promises We Break

She’s curled up beside me. Her bare back is there waiting for my touch. Being the amazing sister and friend she is, she woke up early to make breakfast for Dylan and Eli before Dylan’s audition today. She wanted to be there to see them off. I would have met her there, but I had an early virtual meeting with a potential new client in London that I’ve been dying to add to my client roster.

Once the dynamic duo left for downtown, Hayley came back here. I sent her to bed while I wrapped up, then I gave her a proper hello and good morning. Three hours later she’s still sleeping. I don’t know if I should be concerned or giving myself an atta boy.

I stroke up and down her spine with the pads of a couple fingers with gentle kisses in their wake. At first she doesn’t stir,then comes the soft sigh and her hand reaching back for my thigh.

“Someone was tired,” I tease.

“Someone doesn’t get as much sleep here as she does at home.” Hayley stretches from the tips of her fingers to the tips of her toes. “What time is it?”

“It’s about two. What was Dylan’s audition time again?”

“Two thirty. I don’t know how she does it. I couldn’t wait for things like this.”

“This is her zone though. She’ll be fine.”

“I don’t know.” My girl twists her body over to face me, nesting her head against my chest. “She and Eli were off this morning.”

“What do you mean?”

“There seemed to be this tension hanging in the air. I don’t know. I can’t explain it.”

“Don’t analyze it too much. Like I said, Dylan’s in her zone and Eli’s giving her support and space. That’s how they operate. It works well for them.”

“When did you slide back in next to me?” she asks.

“About an hour ago. I just listened to you breathe. It was nice.”

“Who knew there was this giant pussycat under your player game?”

I smile before kissing her forehead. “Just you. I don’t like to show all my tricks.”

“You’d better show them all to me, Mav.”

“Is that so?” I pull her body on top of mine and begin to tickle her.

“Stop it,” she giggles.

“Make me.” I let her grab my wrists and pin them above my head. Hayley has no problem taking charge. “God you’re sexy.”

“Do you think flattery will get you out of this?” she asks.

“Absolutely. That and a winning smile.” As we continue to wrestle and laugh, my phone rings from the nightstand. “I bet that’s Eli with news on Dylan.”

Hayley reaches over for my phone and looks at the screen. “It’s not Eli. It’s Hannah.”

“What? Shit. Let it go to voicemail.” The phone falls to the bed beside me as I flip Hayley to her back. “Now, where were we?” I lean forward and kiss her collarbone one side at a time, then trail along the pulse of her neck. Her soft groan nearly drowns out the vibration of the phone at her elbow.

“Is it her again?”

“Yes. Dammit.”

“She’s clearly calling you for a reason. Just answer it and tell her you’re with your girlfriend.”

“Two minutes. Then it’s back to where we are. Don’t move.” Hayley stretches her arms over her head, gripping the top of the pillow. Her breasts leap to attention. All I want to do is take one in my mouth, but it’s needed to talk apparently. “Hey, Hannah. What’s up?”

“Hey. Hi. Do you have a minute?”

“A minute is about all I have. If I’m being honest, I’m with my girlfriend. You sort of caught us at an awkward time.”

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