Page 47 of Breaking the Habit

“Did you at least like my eggs?” he asked as she climbed onto the bed and crossed her legs. Seeing her in his own clothes was too cute and too sexy. He already planned to send her home in them. Just so he’d have an excuse to see her again with the pretense of demanding them back.

“Your eggs were a thousand times better than your coffee,” she said, beaming up at him.

“You seem so happy that I can’t make coffee.”

“I discovered your fatal flaw.” She poked her index finger into the air. “It’s exciting.”

He laughed softly. “Oh, trust me. I’ve got some other fatal flaws.” He eased onto the bed beside her so that their arms brushed. Then he scooped her legs up, placing them over his lap. “What are you getting into today?”

She nibbled on her bottom lip as she searched his face. He sensed disappointment in the air.

“I’m taking pictures.”

“Oh.” He couldn’t keep the disappointment out of his voice. “You got a gig?”

She nodded. “Well, it’s for my roommate and her family. We’re gonna do some touristy things, but they want professional pictures. Her mom’s paying and everything.”

Levi smirked. “Not as cool as fight nights.”

“No.” She laughed, holding his hand in both of hers, inspecting his palm. “Definitely not as cool.”

Silence blossomed between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It felt like a space he could live in and never get tired of. When she spoke, the sound of her voice jolted him back to reality.

“I want to hug you.”

“So do it,” he said, cracking a grin. “I dare ya.”

Riley laughed, scooting into his lap fully and wrapping her arms around his waist. She pressed her head to his chest, and he sighed with satisfaction, encircling her with his arms. She felt good there. Like she’d always been there. Didn’t make any sense.

When she tipped her head up to look at him, her chin propped against his pec, she said, “I should probably get going.”

He grunted, tightening his hold on her. “Yeah?”

She buried her face in his chest again. “I’m gonna call a ride share.”

“Don’t do that.” He shifted, feeling himself harden again, though he didn’t know how it was physically possible. He’d spent every ounce of sexual energy from late last night to the wee hours of the early morning. He’d come something like ten times. The last time he came, he was pretty sure nothing had come out of his body. His cock was faking it. “I’ll drive you home.”

She blinked. “Are you sure?”

Levi brushed his lips against the top of her head. “No, I’m Levi.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Ha ha. Funny joke. I’ll get changed.”

“No. Take those clothes. I don’t mind.”

Something warm shivered between them. As she gathered her things, Levi could already feel the loss of her warmth. Not just beside him, but here. In his space. His head still spun from having the impromptu breakfast with Riley and Gage, head to head, but he didn’t want to process it now. That would come later. He’d decide how all of this made sense once he got back and could decompress.

Levi pulled his hair back into a sloppy man bun once Riley had her stuff together. She smirked at him as they headed to Gage’s bedroom.

“I take out your cornrows and within an hour you have a man bun,” she said.

“Gage loves it. Watch.” Levi rapped softly on the door and then stuck his head in. “Hey, bro. I’m gonna take Riley home.”

“I’m sorry, what did you say? I couldn’t hear past your outrageous hair,” Gage said.

Levi cackled. “That’s what I thought. I’ll be back soon. Say bye to Riley.” He pushed the door open farther so Riley could peek in.

“Bye, Riley!” Gage twisted and waved at her. “You can do better than a guy with a man bun, you know.”

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