Page 147 of The Friend Situation

“Are you claiming me, Calloway?” She tilts her head back.

I smile against her sweet skin, savoring her. “Yes, I fucking am. I play to win.”

The silence drifts over us, and I almost fall asleep again.

Her voice cuts through the stillness. “I’m Catwoman, aren’t I?”

This causes me to chuckle. “You are a thief in the night.”

She smiles. “Yeah? What did I steal?”

“The impossible,” I mutter against her ear, and she lets out a content sigh.

We both know she stole my heart, but she isn’t ready to acknowledge it yet.

One day, she will.

I hold on to that thought like a beacon in the night as I drift away to dreamland with her snuggled in my arms. It feels right, the way it should be.

I wakeup to the sun rising over the horizon, the golden rays spilling into the room. The sky is painted with vibrant oranges and pinks, and it feels like a new beginning. A fresh canvas. I grin, tearing my gaze from the beauty outside.

I reach over where Carlee was sleeping, and the mattress is cool.

I never felt her leave.

I let out a breath, staring at the ceiling ,when I hear the distant sound of a cabinet shutting, followed by the grinding of coffee beans.

After sliding on some joggers, I go downstairs, my curiosity guiding my steps. What I find stops me in my tracks. There she is, with a steaming cup of coffee cradled in her hands as she looks out the large windows overlooking Central Park. The morning light dances across her features, illuminating her delicate shoulders. I love how my T-shirt hangs loosely on her slender frame. As my eyes trail down her body, I catch a glimpse of pink lace panties beneath.

Her laptop is open at the bar, the cursor blinking mindlessly.

I love to fucking see it; knowing that she’s trying makes me so proud of her.

My eyes quickly scan over what she has.

My LuxBabies. Have you missed me?

I know you may be wondering where I’ve been. Where do I start?

I focus back on Carlee. Her wavy, messy hair is flipped over to one side. She’s a beautiful masterpiece that I could stare at all day.

“Good morning,” I mutter, making my presence known.

“Hi. Morning.” She glances at me, then quickly looks away, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue.

I smirk, moving farther into the kitchen to pour myself a cup of coffee.

Now she’s acting shy. Fucking adorable. I can’t get enough of her.

“How’d you sleep?” I ask, feeling proud that I held her through the night, cherishing every second of her being so fucking close to me.

“Great, actually. The best sleep I’ve had in literal years. Youmight be magic,” she admits as the rich aroma of coffee fills the room.

“You’re always invited to join me,” I explain, leaning against the counter to watch her.

The sunlight streams in through the window, casting a warm glow on her face.

“Have you thought about your wish list? Now that we’re getting married, I’d like to start knocking things off it.”

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