Page 108 of On the Line

“Guys,” he yells loudly, “Jimbo’s my girlfriend!” He holds our hands up over our heads as if we’ve won some kind of prize, while the kitchen bursts into a series of hoots and howlers andyes, chef!

Somewhere in the back, I hear Alec say, “We already knew, you clowns, now get back to work!”

My cheeks hurt from smiling, slapping Ozzy’s chest playfully. He pushes us through the doors, swiveling us around to hide from the dining room just to kiss me. It’s quick but possessive, his fingers digging into my nape.

Releasing me just as quickly, he gives me a small tap on the ass and winks.

“I’ll see you later,girlfriend.”

42

OZZY

“What kind of eggs do you want?” I ask James, kissing her before jumping out of bed.

She gives me a sleepy smile. “Whatever you’re having.”

“You sure? I can make them special for you,” I say while throwing some boxers and a t-shirt on.

She shakes her head, her satisfied smile still on her lips. “Iwantwhat you’re having.”

“Sunny side up it is then,” I tell her with a side grin before walking out of the bedroom.

I convinced James to stay over last night after our Sunday shift. She said she had class early this morning, so I promised her that I’d make her breakfast and drive her to campus as a compromise. She accepted with a slow nod, studying me like I had promised her the world.

When she agreed, I kissed her like she had already given me the world.

The sun is barely peeking out from the horizon as I make my way to the kitchen. I put on some coffee while the eggs cook, butter some toast, and slice half an avocado.

I feel jubilant while setting up our plates as if I can’t wait to get back to James, even if she’s just in the other room waiting for me.

I bring her breakfast first with a steaming cup of coffee. Circling to her side I put on a show just to make her laugh, acting as if this is the fanciest thing I’ve ever cooked for her.

Her giggles are infectious, my chest tingling with happiness.

I place the mug on the bedside table, handing her the plate and cutlery. I notice her gaze turn thoughtful before I lean down to steal another kiss.

“I love you,” she says against my lips.

The declaration is rushed, sounding like she said it quickly before she lost the courage.

She catches me off guard, my head popping up to better look at her, my arm shooting out as if it has a mind of its own, nearly knocking the coffee all over the floor.

“Wait, did you just—” I say, still clearly frazzled.

She nods, her eyes wide with unwavering emotions.

“Iloveyou, Ozzy,” she repeats.

My stomach explodes in a flurry of butterflies, and I suddenly feel light-headed. I swallow hard, eyes wide, a dumbstruck grin on my face.

I’ve never heard lovelier words come out of that perfect mouth.

“Oh, baby,” I say with a dark chuckle, taking her plate of food out of her hands. “Fuck these eggs.”

She laughs in surprise, watching me crawl up on the bed, bracketing her body with my knees. I catch her lips, kissing her feverishly before finally taking her face into my hands, and staring deeply into her eyes.

“James, this was neverjustfriends for me. As soon as Ifirst saw you, I knew you were about to change my fuckingworld, baby. I love you doesn’t even come close to describing what I feel for you,” I profess, kissing her lips, her nose, her cheeks. “But I’ll tell you every minute of every fucking day that I love you if it means I can keep you forever.”

---