Page 130 of Puck Prince

“Actually, do you have any avocados?”

He snaps his fingers. “I should have known you were an avocado toast girl. Coming right up.”

I sit on one of the barstools and watch Owen glide around the kitchen. Usually he’s a bit of a black cat, but today he’s all golden retriever. It’s not a bad look on him, honestly.

He finishes making breakfast and sets my plate down in front of me.

“Thank you.” I have to admit, I’m pretty impressed. It’s toasted sourdough with avocado mash, featuring halved cherrytomatoes, goat cheese crumbles, and Everything But the Bagel seasoning. Plus a side of crispy bacon, of course.

“What about you?” I ask. “Aren’t you going to eat?”

“I will, but I’m going to put on some clothes first. Naked cooking is sexy. Naked eating is repulsive.”

I can’t help but giggle at that. Owen kisses me on top of the head before heading to his room.

For a few seconds, I just sit here, stunned.

I’ve kissed Owen before. Several times. Long, sloppy, steamy kisses that led to all kinds of other activities much more intimate than kissing.

Except, he just casually kissed the top of my head as he passed.

It wasn’t a kiss that was leading anywhere. There was no ulterior motive.

It was casual affection for no other reason.

It’s… relationshippy.

And confusing.

I bite into the toast and, thankfully, it’s delicious enough to side-track me.

Owen reappears in jeans and a t-shirt. “So, what’s on the agenda today?”

I chew and swallow. “I’m going to call the apartment complex to get the ball rolling. I’m so ready to sign the lease.”

“Living there will be good for you,” he agrees, making himself a plate.

I’m already almost done with my food. It’s that good. “What about you?”

“Gonna go check in with Summer.” He sits with his plate on the stool next to mine. His knee touches mine under the bartop.

“I think she should know about the note. And I also want to make sure that her ex hasn’t tried anything stupid lately. I really want to get to the bottom of all of this bullshit.” His face darkens as he says it, the golden retriever in him disappearing for a moment to make way for a snarling, angry beast underneath.

And if I’m being honest…

It’s kind of hot.

Then I smile before popping the last bite of toast into my mouth.

“What?” he asks.

I dust my hands off and shake my head. “Nothing. I just think it’s kind of ridiculous that I was jealous of your sister, before I knew she was your sister. But now, knowing how much she and Nicky mean to you and seeing what you do for them… I don’t know.”

“You don’t know what?” He grins while he chews.

“It’s sweet,” I shrug. “And it’s… I don’t know.” Blushing, I get up, grabbing my things.

But before I can make my way to the door, he grabs my arm. “Not so fast. Finish that sentence. It’s sweet and what?”

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