Page 46 of Gator

“That’s part of my charm,” I teased, though my voice was softer than usual, the moment wrapping around us like a cocoon.

For a heartbeat, or maybe longer, we just stood there, his forehead pressed against mine, breathing in sync. The tension that had followed me for days melted away, leaving something raw and real in its place.

Breaking the silence, I smirked. “So, are you disassembling the bed or what?”

He chuckled, his laugh warm and deep, the kind that made my chest tighten in all the best ways. “We’ll stay, Devlyn. But just for tonight.”

“Thank God.”

I woke the next morning to a cold bed.

Grumbling, I huffed, flinging my arms wide as I stared at the ceiling. Just where in the hell had that man gone so freaking early in the dang morning? Would it have killed him to stay and cuddle for a friggin’ minute?

Rolling out of bed, I wrapped the blanket around my shoulders like a cape and shuffled toward the faint clatter coming from the kitchen. The smell of freshly brewed coffee, mingled with something buttery and sweet, wafted into the hallway, and my irritation melted into curiosity.

As I rounded the corner, there he was—Wade, standing at the stove, wearing a pair of ridiculously low-slung sweatpants and a focused expression that could have turned granite into jelly. A stack of golden-brown pancakes sat on the counter beside him, and he was humming—actually humming—a tune I didn’t recognize.

“Good morning,Chèr,” he greeted without turning around.

“Wade,” I quipped, plopping into a chair with dramatic flair. “I’d like to point out that you abandoned me in bed again.”

He glanced at me over his shoulder, a crooked grin lighting up his face. “I thought I’d make it up to you with pancakes. But if you’d rather I crawl back under the covers—”

“Don’t tempt me,” I interrupted, my voice dry, but my eyes betraying my amusement. “But you’re lucky I’m a sucker for breakfast.”

Wade turned, plate in hand, and slid it in front of me with a flourish. “I live to serve,” he said, his tone teasing.

I stabbed a fork into the mountain of pancakes and grinned. “If this is your way of keeping me happy, you’re smarter than you look.”

He laughed, leaning down to press a quick kiss to my temple. “Eat up. We’ve got a long day ahead.”

“Oh?” I arched an eyebrow. “And just what craziness is that? More importantly, does it involve more food?”

Wade laughed. “There will be food, I promise.”

“So, what’s on the agenda?”

“Christmas is two days away and I haven’t done any shopping.” The annoying man smiled.

“That sounds like a you problem,” I muttered around the food in my mouth. Damn, these pancakes were good. Swallowing the bite, I added, “Besides, I’ve already finished my shopping.”

Wade rolled his eyes dramatically. “Well, not all of us have our lives together like you, oh wise and prepared one. Care to lend me your infinite wisdom?”

I smirked, savoring another bite of the pancake before replying. “Sure. Rule number one: never wait until two days before Christmas to start shopping. Rule number two”—I paused for emphasis, raising a finger—“always—always—bring snacks.”

“Snacks?” Wade snorted, reaching for his coffee. “Do you think I’m five?”

“No, I think you’re a man on a mission, and missions require fuel,” I shot back. “Besides, I’m not the one who’ll be dealing with hangry mobs hunting for last-minute bargains.”

He placed his mug down, grinning. “You know, you could come with me. Be my shopping guru. Help me survive the chaos.”

I tilted my head, pretending to consider it. “And miss out on watching you flounder on your own? Tempting, but I think I’ll pass.”

“You’re heartless,” Wade declared, though his grin said otherwise.

“And don’t you forget it,” I replied breezily, sliding another forkful into my mouth.

After dropping me off at The Bourbon Bar, Wade took off to do his last-minute shopping, leaving me blissfully alone. There wasn’t enough money on the planet to make me traverse the shops or malls two days before Christmas. Instead, I plopped my ass down on the chaise in the main barroom, with a plate of beignets I made Wade buy me before he took off with strict orders not to return unless he was bringing me a sandwich from that deli I liked.

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