Page 116 of Forbidden Harmony

Just moving right in, aren’t you?Making yourself completely at home. You gonna ask her to clear a space in her closetfor your fucking clothes?

He turned on his tablet. The sound of Addison’sknitting needles clicking, the warmth of her small body next to his in the bed,hell, even the occasional sniff she made, were stupidly comforting.

“What are you working on?” Addison said.

He showed her his sketch. It was a bear’sskull surrounded by colourful flowers. A flush of pride went through him whenAddison said, “Wow. That’s amazing. You’re such an incredible artist. Youand Harper would have a lot to chat about when it comes to art.”

“Thanks,” he said.

For a while, the only sound in the room wasthe clicking of Addison’s knitting needles. He made a few adjustments to hissketch before googling some images of flowers. As he studied them, he restedone hand on Addison’s thigh. Her apartment was a bit on the warm side evenwith the air conditioning, and she had changed from her yoga pants into cottonshorts before climbing into bed. He couldn’t resist touching the smooth softnessof her skin.

When his phone dinged, he dug it out of hispocket and checked his messages before texting back. Addison didn’t ask, buthe said, “It’s Gideon.”

“Is he asking you about the barbeque atKira’s tonight? Grace texted earlier to see if I was feeling better and if I neededa ride.”

“You probably shouldn’t go,” he said. “You’restill sick.”

He supposed she was probably well enough togo for a little while, but he selfishly wanted to keep her to himself for awhile longer. If they went to the barbeque, he wouldn’t be able to touch her wheneverhe wanted.

“I know. I told her I was skipping out onthis one.” Addison gave him a quick sideways glance. “What time are you headedover there?”

“I’m not,” he said. “I told Gideon Icouldn’t make it.”

“You shouldn’t miss out on the barbeque becauseof me,” she said. “I’m better now and -”

“You shouldn’t be alone,” he said. “Youstill have coughing fits that almost make you pass out.”

“Does that mean you’re spending the night?”she said with another sideways glance.

“Probably a good idea,” he said. “Just tobe on the safe side. If you’re good with it?”

“Yes,” she said. “I, um, I’d prefer that.You know, just to be on the safe side.”

He grinned at her and rested his hand onher thigh again, giving it a gentle squeeze. After a few minutes, she pickedup her knitting and the soft clicking sound started up.

As he scanned the internet for flowerimages, Preacher tried to identify the weird feeling inside of him. After amoment, it dawned on him.

Holy fuck. He was happy.

* * *

“You’re right. This wrapping paper is adorable,and my mom will love it.”

Addison laughed. “I know when you’remocking me, Lucas.”

He grinned at her. “I’m not mocking you.She really will love it. Thanks for letting me have some of it.”

“No problem,” she said.

He glanced around her living room. “Yourplace is nice. You like the neighbourhood?”

“I do,” she said. “It’s mostly rentals inthis area, but it’s quiet and not too far from downtown.”

“Some of the guys who are transferring fromthe New Cassel office to the one here are looking for places to rent. I’ll mentionthis neighbourhood,” Lucas said. “Apparently, according to Kira, myneighbourhood is a hot spot and hard to get into. Which just makes it evenmore impressive that she found me something.”

“I was texting with Kira today and she saidshe had an appointment this afternoon with your boss to look at a few houses.”

Lucas nodded. “Yeah, Stark’s in town thisweek. Construction is almost complete on the office building so he’s doing afinal check of it. He mentioned he was looking at houses today when I hadcoffee with him this morning.”

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