Page 59 of Waiting for Sunshine

“Um.. Yes, that’s what I called you after you slammed into me that first day.” She rolls her lips together like she’s holding in another laugh.

“I’ve been called worse.” I shrug.

“You didn’t answer my question.” She says, crossing her arms over her chest.

“We’re taking a shower.” I kiss her forehead as I turn the shower on.

When we finish in the shower, I get one of my Navy t-shirts from the drawer and let her wear it. We grab some food from the kitchen then crawl into bed and talk for hours before she finally falls asleep in my arms; it’s the best Valentine’s day I’ve had – ever. Shane Thompson has completely tilted my world on its axis in the matter of two months. I went from some grumpy asshole, with the weight of the world on his shoulders, refusing to let anything or anyone who dared to bring me joy into my life, for fear of losing it, to some simp who can’t imagine living without the girl laying next to me, and I fucking love it.

CHAPTER28

SHANE

After Max punchedPete in the face and whisked me back to his house for another round of earth shattering sex, we took a shower, grabbed some food and stayed up talking for hours. I finally gave up and fell asleep with my head on his chest as he ran his fingers along my back. I’m guessing I was out for the night after that, because the light shining through his bedroom window is now waking me up. I finally open my eyes, but Max is nowhere in sight. I get up and look around, seeing my clothes from last night are no longer discarded on the floor, but hung neatly in the bathroom to dry. “Max?” I call out, as I walk into the living room where I see Riley laying on the couch. “Hey girl, where’s Max at, huh?” I ask as I rub her ears.

When I run my hand along the island countertop in his kitchen, I bump into a note.

I take a minute to look around, since we basically walked straight to his bedroom last night, not that I’m complaining. His house is absolutely gorgeous. It’s small but in a really nice neighborhood, and the outside is such a vibe. He has the only all black house on the block and the brown stones surrounding it, makes it even more beautiful.

But the way the inside is decorated is immaculate. I wonder if he did it all himself or if someone helped him. The entire house is painted a beautiful taupe color and has white trim.

His kitchen is probably my favorite kitchen I’ve ever been in. He has forest green cabinets with bronze hardware, light, natural wood countertops, and matte black appliances.

In the living room he has a brown leather sofa, with no throw pillows or blankets in sight.Tragic.There’s a unique epoxy coffee table in front of it, with only a stack of bar coasters and a TV remote on it. The wood burning fireplace is located on the wall to the right of the couch and has built in bookshelves on either side. One side is full of books and decorative art pieces, the other serves as a mini bar. The fireplace mantle has a folded american flag in a shadow box and a photo of Max, Tucker, Riley, and another guy, at what seems to be a military base. Judging by his bright red hair, I am going to assume that’s Red, the friend he lost in battle.

I pick it up and study the picture, all three guys are smiling, and I swear to god it looks like Riley is too. She’s wearing Max’s helmet and they all seem to be laughing about it together. It brings a smile to my face seeing Max so happy, doing something he was so passionate about. You’d have to be passionate about it to spend 12 years of your life doing it, right? I hear the front door close as I place the photo back on the mantle.

I turn around to see Max walking through the door with two coffees in hand and a pastry bag in his teeth. He shuts the door with his foot before walking over to me and I take the bag from his teeth. He smiles before leaning in to kiss me.

“Good morning.” He says, his deep voice driving me wild.

“Good morning.” I smile up at him. He leads the way into the kitchen as I follow closely behind.

“I didn’t have any coffee in the house, but I figured you might want some when you woke up so I slipped out. Sorry if it worried you when I wasn’t here.” He says, poking the straw through my cup and sliding it over to me.

“Nah, I figured I was in good hands with Riley here.” I wink at her and she walks over to me, brushing up against my bare leg. “Plus, I saw your note.” I smile at Max, waving the paper in the air.

“Good, then it served its purpose.” He says, pulling me into him. He looks just as sexy as he always does with his backwards baseball hat, a hoodie with a seal on it, and a denim jacket over it. Paired with black joggers and white running shoes. Damn, I think I’m drooling.

“So, what can I make you for breakfast?” he turns to open the refrigerator.

“Hmmm. Toaster Strudel.” I answer. He stops moving and turns slowly to face me.

“Toaster Strudel?” he looks at me like I just said I would like the sacrificial firstborn lamb from his nonexistent flock of sheep.

“Yes. Apple if you have it.” I tilt my head in confusion. I thought it was normal for a freezer to be full of Toaster Strudel, but maybe it’s just me… and Taylor.

“That’s your idea of breakfast?” he asks, leaning against his fridge.

“That’s myfavoritebreakfast, actually.” I correct, pointing my index finger at him.

He shakes his head in disbelief. “I can make you eggs, waffles, pancakes, french toast…” he offers. I blink at him a few times trying to decide how to answer, because all of that sounds amazing.

“Surprise me?” I shrug. He turns around and begins digging through the fridge for ingredients, muttering “Toaster Strudel,” then snickering.

“Hey, apple Toaster Strudel is the superior strudel and you will not change my mind, no matter how sexy you are.” I lean back on the barstool, bending over to pet Riley.

“Whatever you say,” he winks at me as he moves around the kitchen, making our breakfast.

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