Page 142 of After All This Time

There aren’t any Jewish delis in Sunset Cove, so we have to settle for Kailani’s. They’re not bad, though. They just don't have the authentic Jewish touch.

If I ever get a craving for pastrami or latkes, I’d have to drive all the way to Orlando, which is forty-five minutes to an hour away—depending on traffic.

I never have the time or energy to do that.

Scallion cream cheese is sitting on the countertop next to the stove along with a glass bowl, four eggs, butter, and a spatula.

Being with Dani doesn’t feel real. It all feels like a dream. One I never want to wake up from.

My mind keeps replaying last night like a recorded videotape.

It’s hard not to think about it.

Seeing Dani naked for the first time. The look on her face when she came when I was inside her. How she reacted to me kneeling before her as well as kissing her neck and thighs. The way she moaned when I was sucking and licking her breasts.

“Noah Kaplan!” she shouts, bringing me back to reality.

I re-adjust my shorts, so my bulge is less noticeable.

She’s standing in the entryway to the kitchen.

“Why are you yelling?” I ask.

She walks closer to me, pointing to her neck. “Look what you did to me. I look like I was bitten by a goddamn vampire.”

I burst out into laughter, covering my mouth with a vertical fist.

She looks like she’s going to kill me. “This isn’t funny. What am I going to do?”

“Does it really matter? You just bathed yourself in my cologne.”

“That’s different. When Lizzie asks me about it, trust me, you know she will. You know what I’m going to tell her?” She pauses. “Hey Lizbug. You’re probably wondering who gave me this giant ass hickey. It just so happens that it was your baby brother. Surprise! Why is it so dark you may ask? Oh, he sucked me bone dry. You want to know what else he sucked…” Her voice is high-pitched.

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence.” I notice she isn't dressed. “Hey, what is this?” I gesture to her body.

She’s wearing a white tank top that is hugging her gorgeous curves and underwear that’s ruffled on the edges.

“What? I’m wearing clothes.” She presents herself with her hands.

“You’re wearing a tank top. That’s about it.”

“Look who’s talking. You’re not even wearing a shirt.” Her hands are placed on her hips.

“I didn’t feel like putting on a shirt yet.”

Her lips slightly pucker out. “Just admit I win, and you lose.”

I stand against the island in the middle of the kitchen.

She boxes me in the same way I did to her a few days ago. Except, she’s got this sparkle in her eye that tells me she’s not messing around.

“Why? Because you finally admitted defeat last night?”

“I’m not the only one who admitted defeat last night, Heart Eyes,” she says as she places her fingers above my chest. She works her way down to the hem of my waistband, tugging at it.

“I’m guessing you didn’t notice the bagels on the counter over there.”

“I did.” She wraps her arms around my neck.

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