Page 23 of Lessons in Sin

’There’s no such thing as too much coffee … but no. I just wasn’t sure which you preferred so I got a selection.’

Reaching over, I take the Caramel Macchiato, swallowing the lump that’s formed in my throat at the gesture. ‘Thank you.’

He grabs the black, sipping the bitter brew before nudging over the bag in his hands. ‘Breakfast.’

The steam fills my nostrils, the smell of bacon, pancakes and maple syrup sending my stomach grumbling. I flush at the sound, but Tristan only smiles as I dig in.

Spooning in a mouthful of pancakes, I moan. ‘Oh my god, these are so good.’

I look to Tristan, expecting him to be digging into his own breakfast, but instead, I find his eyes fixated on me. Desire floods his features, his eyes dipping to my lips. He lifts his hands, wiping at a drop of syrup on my lip before bringing It to his own. ‘Sweet.’

Gaping at him, I forget to breathe. I’m aching and swollen and fucking horny. It’s like he wants me to sit in a puddle of my own wetness twenty-four-seven.

‘Something on your mind?’ He smirks like he knows exactly what’s on my mind.

Closing my mouth, I shake my head too fast. ‘Nope, nothing at all.’ Shifting in my seat, I try to ignore the pulsing between my thighs. ‘So … why don’t you decorate?’

He looks confused. ‘What do you mean?’ He gestures around him. ’There’s plenty of decorations.’

I send him a really look. ‘Did they come with the place?’

‘Yes.’

’Then that doesn’t count!’

‘What do you mean that doesn’t count?’

‘I mean, these—‘ I wave a hand to the kitchen and living room, ‘Don’t reflect who you are because you didn’t choose them.’

He sits back and stretches. ‘Is that a rule?’

I nod and send him a serious look. ‘Yep. One that shouldn’t be broken for the sake of sanity.’

He grins, the wide smile lighting his eyes. ‘Is this like your sex voodoo theory?’

‘Yep.’ I raise my head. ‘They’re both logical and correct.’

‘I see. Well, maybe we’ll have to rectify my dire situation.’

He’s teasing, I know, but he said we, as in me and him - him and me. The two of us together. Maybe it’s nothing but …

Coughing, I say as nonchalantly as possible. ’So, about last night …’

His eyes don’t dim. ‘Yes?’

I narrow my eyes. ‘You’re not helping.’

He laughs, the sound full and bright. ‘I don’t intend on helping. I like watching you squirm.’

Slipping off the seat I storm away, but he catches my arm before I can go far.

’Scarlett, I think it’s pretty clear that this thing between us isn’t just going to go away.’ He pauses, searching for the words. ‘I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you - this week’s been fucking miserable trying to stop myself from going anywhere near you.’

My heart beats faster as he speaks, a flood of emotions sending hope souring through me.

He continues. ‘I want you to know that this,’ he gestures between us. ‘Is not something I’ve ever done before. It’s reckless and stupid but I think it might just be worth it.’ He cups my jaw and strokes my cheek with his thumb. ‘If you’re willing - I want to try.’

Leaning into his touch, I smile. ‘I want that too.’

---