Page 97 of Love You Madly

She looks up at me with a lazy, satisfied smile, her eyes still sparkling from our time together. “So, how do you like your eggs?” I ask as if I didn’t just have my head buried between her legs moments ago.

“Surprise me,” she teases, slipping her black panties back on her voice a bit raspier than normal.

“Surprise you, huh?” I reply, raising an eyebrow. “I think I can manage that.”

I kiss her forehead quickly before heading to the kitchen,my mind still reeling from everything we shared. The taste of her, the way she responded to me, it’s all still fresh in my mind, making it hard to focus on anything else.

Stepping into the kitchen, I realize how bare it is. Not much to work with, but I’ll make it work—eggs, some leftover veggies, and bread for peanut butter toast. Simple, but it'll have to do.

The eggs sizzle as they hit the pan, and I start chopping veggies, letting my thoughts wander. Last night and this morning–it’s more than I ever expected. I can’t help but wish I’d given her a chance sooner, instead of letting distance be my excuse. I didn’t consider the fact that it could work with the right person. For the right person–I could make the effort.

The way she tasted, the way we connected, it’s more than I ever could have hoped for. But as perfect as it all feels, there’s still a part of me that’s a little nervous. I want this to work so badly, and I know there’s a lot riding on how we navigate the next steps.

I should’ve offered to take her out for breakfast, but selfishly, I wanted to keep her here, in my bed, for as long as I could.

As I finish cooking, I hear the soft padding of her footsteps behind me. I turn, and there she is, walking into the kitchen with a sleepy smile, her hair still tousled from bed and my Darling Ridge Farms t-shirt back on.

“It smells too good in here. I couldn’t stay in bed–I had to see what you were up to,” she says, taking a seat at the counter, her eyes bright with curiosity.

I chuckle, turning back to the stove. “Just whipping up something simple. It’s not much, I’m sorry. I really need to get to the grocery store. But I’ve been so busy and just eating out lately.”

“Yeah, you have,” she teases, winking. The blush creepingup her neck says enough—she definitely enjoyed herself this morning.

I spread a generous layer of peanut butter on the toast and it melts slightly, creating the perfect creamy texture. I plate the food, adding a few fresh strawberries for a touch of sweetness, and set everything in front of her.

“This looks amazing,” she says, eyeing the plate full of food.

“I could say the same about you,” I reply, setting a napkin and silverware next to the plate in front of her.

After a few bites, Callie pauses, looking over at me with a grin. “Hey, do you have any cinnamon sugar?”

I raise an eyebrow, a slow smile spreading across my face. “I thought I told you I don’t give my cinnamon away for free.”

Callie laughs, leaning in a little closer. “I know you said that, but I was wondering if I could steal some? I bet it tastes so good, Owen.” She winks at me again, and I can’t help but chuckle at the level of pure sex in her voice.

This. Fucking. Girl.

“Well, since you asked so nicely,” I say, reaching over to the small spice rack on the counter. I hand it to her with a grin. “I suppose I can make an exception this time.”

She takes the cinnamon sugar, sprinkling a little over her toast before taking another bite. “Mmm, you were right,” she says, licking a bit of sugar from her lips. “It really does taste amazing.”

The way she says it, the way she looks at me–it sends a rush of warmth through me, and I realize how much I want this, how much I want her to be part of my life. And how much I hope to be a part of hers.

As we finish eating, I set my plate aside, feeling a slight nervousness creep in. I take a deep breath, knowing it’s time toask her about meeting my family this weekend while some of my cousins are in town for the county fair.

“So, Callie,” I start, trying to keep my tone casual, “there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”

She looks up at me, curiosity and mild concern in her eyes. “What’s up?”

“Well, some of my cousins are going to be in town this weekend and they are going out on Friday night. I was wondering if you’d like to come with me. It’s a big family thing, and I’d really like you to be there.”

Her eyes widen in surprise, but then she smiles, that warm, genuine smile that always makes my heart beat a little faster. “A good ol’ family reunion, huh? I would love to go. It means a lot that you want me to be there.”

Relief washes over me, and I squeeze her hand, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. “That’s great. I’m really glad you’re up for it. Sabrina asked if she could have Barrett for an extra week to take him to Gulf Shores for vacation, so he’ll be gone this week and next. I need plenty of stuff to keep myself busy. When he returns, I will have him for two weeks, and I was hoping maybe we could get the kids together then.”

“That sounds perfect,” she says, her eyes excitedly bright. Then she hesitates for a moment, her fingers idly playing with the edge of the napkin. “But… I have one condition.”

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? And what’s that?”

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