Page 52 of Ciaran

He does as I ask, his elbows on the counter, chin on his hands while he watches me move about the kitchen. Tanner never lifted a finger around the house, but cooking for Ciaran feels very different because I want to look after him, rather than being expected to.

I flip over the sizzling bacon in the pan. Callum walks out of his room wearing black sweatpants and a white T-shirt. He yawns and stretches his arms overhead.

“I smell breakfast.”

Ciaran glances over his shoulder. “Not yours,” he drawls, turning his attention back to me. “Let me get the plates.” He jumps off the stool, comes around to my side of the counter, and reaches up to grab two plates from the cabinet, his knuckles brushing my arm in a soft, lingering caress as he puts them down beside me.

Callum glances between the two of us before making a triumphant noise. “At fucking last. I think a celebration is in order.”

My face heats because I know exactly what Callum means.

Ciaran shoots him a fiery glare. “Don’t be a child.”

Callum winks at me, and my blush spreads until my face feels as if it’s on fire, so I busy myself with the eggs. I’m just serving up when Ciaran’s cell rings. He glances down at the screen and frowns.

“Work. I’d better get this.”

He strides across the room and opens the door to his bedroom. “What’s up, boss?” The door closes behind him.

“So.” Callum props his chin on his hands. “You finally got it on with the right brother. It only took you a decade.”

I ignore him, turning my back and putting the plates of food into the oven to keep warm, even though it will make the eggs go rubbery. Still, I can easily make more.

“I’m teasing,” Callum says when I finally have nothing else to do to occupy myself. “I’m really happy for you both.”

I don’t get to respond right then because Ciaran comes out of his room dressed in full cop uniform. “I’m so sorry, Mia. I need to go into work for a few hours. Something’s blown up.”

Disappointment washes through me, but I keep my feelings to myself and give him a bright smile. “It’s no problem. I’ll hang around here until you get back. Maybe we can grab a late lunch or something.”

“Sounds good.”

“How about the four of us do something later?” Callum says. “Laurella and I were thinking of going bowling. She’s been stateside almost nine months and has never bowled. Can you believe that?”

Ciaran fastens his duty belt and catches my eye. “Mia? Think you can stand a double date with this douche? And feel free to say no.”

The fact he asked me makes my heart soar. He’s giving me the choice, the power. My legs tremble, happiness rushing through me. This feels so normal, so wonderful, double dating with my boyfriend’s twin brother. Plus, I like Laurella a lot.

“I’m sure I’ll manage,” I drawl.

Callum barks a laugh. “Gee, thanks.”

“I’ll text when I’m on my way back. Hopefully this won’t take more than a couple hours.”

He comes over to me and pulls me into his arms. Then he kisses me. Not a chaste goodbye kiss but a proper full-on tongues-and-everything kiss. My toes curl, and a contented noise eases from the back of my throat. I expect Callum to make some inappropriate comment, but when Ciaran finally lets me go, his twin is sitting on a chair in the living room flicking through the TV channels.

“Oh, your breakfast,” I call out as Ciaran heads for the door. “You’ll be starved.”

“I’ll grab something at the station, don’t worry.”

Callum gets to his feet. “I’ll eat it. Shame to let it go to waste.”

With a final eye roll in his brother’s direction, Ciaran shuts the door behind him, leaving me to remove the two plates from the oven and set one in front of Callum. He digs in, making appreciative noises at the back of his throat.

“These scrambled eggs are amazing.”

“Plenty of butter and salt, that’s the key.”

“Is that so?” He tilts his head. “Just in case I haven’t made myself clear, I’m thrilled you and Ciaran are together. He’s wanted you forever.”

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