Page 153 of Rewind It Back

And as much as I’d love to lie around with him all day and try to find the energy to return the favor, I have a job I need to get to.

I peel myself out from under him, making sure not to wake him up, before finding one of his flannel shirts tossed on a chair. I slip my arm through that, buttoning it all the way down the front before heading downstairs.

Thankfully, it’s not a construction day at Rio’s house, so I’m not worried about anyone walking in on me wearing my client’s shirt as a dress with nothing on underneath.

When I get to the kitchen, I put on some music, letting it connect to the speakers only on the first floor. I choose something soft and melodic to start my morning before turning on Rio’s espresso machine.

At the fridge, I contemplate grabbing the dairy milk instead of the almond since he’s not awake and can’t have a taste of my coffee anyway, but something about it feels wrong. So, I grab the almond milk instead.

I’m pulling a shot when I hear a sleepy, raspy voice ask, “What do you think you’re doing?” from behind me.

I look over my shoulder to find Rio, leaning his hip on the kitchen counter, right where he fucked me a few hours ago, sweatpants hung low. Smirk on his face and not wearing a shirt, showing offmytattoo.

Mine.

Only mine.

I’m still processing his confession last night, that he hasn’t been with anyone but me.

I’ve forgiven him for our past. I understand where his head was at when he made the choices he did. And though I know there’s a part of him that thinks it’s going to take more or that he should continue to punish himself over it, I think the fact that he tried so hard for six years to get over me and couldn’t was torture enough.

And I kind of love that he couldn’t do it.

“What are you smirking at?” he asks.

“Just thinking about what a terrible time you had trying to get over me.”

He laughs to himself, crossing the kitchen to me. “Ain’t that the fucking truth.” His palm slides against my lower back. “And my other question. What do you think you’re doing?”

“Making myself a latte.”

“That’s my job.” He takes the almond milk from me at the same time he leans down and plants a soft kiss on my lips.

“You were sleeping.”

“Then you got out of bed. I think you know by now I only sleep when you’re next to me.”

“So honest today.”

“Yeah, well I just got laid for the first time in six years, Hal. I’ll tell you anything you want to know as a thank you for fucking me.”

Laughing to myself, I curl into him, hiding my face against his chest. He wraps his free arm around me, holding me close as he continues to work on my latte.

“Hi,” he says quietly, lips brushing my hair. “Are you tired?”

“Exhausted.” I pull back to look at him. “But happy.”

The most stunning smile spreads across his lips. “I’d hope so. I put in a lot of work last night to make sure you’re happy.”

Chuckling, I rest against him again, wrapping my arms around his waist.

“I’m happy too.” He leans down and kisses me. “Your latte is ready.”

I find it on the counter. “What’s the art today?”

“Well, clearly, that’s a dragon. I’m not sure how you’re not seeing it.”

It’s literally a blob of foam in the center of the cup.

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