Page 17 of One Touch

“Yeah, but talking while running uses more oxygen, so I’m helping you build your stamina.”

“My stamina is fine.”

“Never took you as a guy who was okay with fine, but each to their own.”

“I… that’s not… You’re annoying.”

“Eh. Maybe. Depends on who you ask. Most people find me charming. You’re the exception.”

“Lucky me.”

“What’s your favorite color?”

“What?”

“Favorite color. Mine’s blue. Gotta say, I was pretty stoked to move to a team with blue as one of their colors. College, as you know, was green, and Chicago was black and red. So, yours?”

I couldn’t help the smile that stayed across my face the entire five miles. This was more fun than I’d anticipated. Despite his complaints, Lathan continued to talk to me the entire run. His favorite color was black, his cat’s name was Alaska, and he’d had him for two years. It was safe to say I’d won this round. Now, I had to see how far I could push his control before he snapped again.

We returned to our separate rooms to shower, and I took a page out of his book from last night and put on only a pair of boxer briefs. Padding barefoot into the kitchen, I was once again there before him. The mysterious cat was nowhere to be found, so I scanned the contents of his fridge and pantry and pulled out things I could use to put together a breakfast.

Lathan emerged fully dressed and stopped cold in his tracks when he spotted me. I winked and continued to whisk the eggs.

“What are you doing?” His jaw was clenched so tight I was impressed he’d been able to get words out.

I checked the time. “Making breakfast. Is there anything you don’t like? I haven’t put the omelets together yet.”

“You’re makingmebreakfast?” he asked, then shook his head. “No. I mean. Why aren’t you dressed?”

I snapped my fingers. “You’re right.” I reached into the pantry, pulled out an apron I’d found earlier, and tied it around me. “That’s better,” I said before returning to my task. It took all of my strength not to look up and catch Lathan’s expression. Based on the tension radiating off him, I’d successfully pushed his buttons.

Yet, he stayed in control. That perfect facade he portrayed was on full display. It was a massive contrast to the man he’d been last night, and I didn’t like the shift. I wanted the free Lathan back.

We ate our breakfast in silence. I was busy thinking of ways to get under his skin, whereas he was probably planning my death.

“So, what’s on the agenda for the rest of the day?” I asked.

He sipped his black and bitter coffee and eyed me over the rim of his mug. “I’m shocked you’re not putting up more of a fight about being here. I don’t trust it.”

“What’s not to trust, Silver Spoon?” I leaned closer. “You made a persuasive argument in your entryway, and I decided there was nowhere else I’d rather be.”

The flash of heat in his eyes was unmistakable, but he quickly shuttered it. Good gravy. This man was more locked up than Fort Knox.

“Hmm. Fine. There’s a few ground rules I’d like to set.”

I sat back and crossed my arms over my chest. His gaze dropped to my naked torso before quickly snapping back up. “Clothes should be worn at all times.”

“Veto.”

“Excuse me? You can’t vetomyrules.”

“Pretty sure I just did. Next?”

He sputtered, his mouth opening and closing in a way so unlike him. I grinned and brought my knee up on the chair to wrap my arms around, and displayed more of my body.

Lathan’s nostrils flared, but he kept his fire contained. “Pick up after yourself. I’m not your maid, and I refuse to live in a chaotic environment.”

I pouted. “Are you saying I’m messy?” His gaze jerked to the sink full of dishes, but he didn’t respond.

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