Page 292 of Breaking the Rules
"You're supposed to accept gifts with grace."
"Fuck that." She claps again. "I love presents."
"Your place is packed with them."
She laughs. "Can you even tell which boxes are new?" She motions to a row of half unpacked boxes lining the living room wall. Then to another on the kitchen counter.
No one would accuse the apartment of Martha Stewart perfection.
It's barely unpacked.
And a mess.
And completely Emma.
Of course, the TV, couch, and mugs are all in their proper place.
I set the purple gift bag on the counter.
"Can I?"
I nod.
She pulls out the cream paper with glee. Her brow furrows with concentration as she reaches in. Runs her fingers over the gift.
She looks to mewhat is it?
I shrugopen it and find out.
A laugh falls from her lips as she pulls out the box. "Perfect."
She sets the pour over on the counter.
"There's more," I say.
"I'd hope so." She peers inside the bag. Pulls out the scale. The electric grinder. The bag of single-origin beans. "It's an involved process."
"Some things are worth extra effort."
Her eyes meet mine. They say something, but I'm not sure what it is. Only that I want it.
Fuck, it's weird how much I want every thought in her head.
How much I want to pry her open.
She slides her arm around my waist. Rises to her tiptoes to press her lips to mine. "Thank you, Hunter."
"My pleasure." I rest my palm on her cheek. Rub her temple with my thumb. She's so fucking beautiful. I'm not sure I'll ever get tired of staring at her.
"Is it safe to come out?" Kaylee calls from the hallway.
"No. I'm completely naked," Emma teases.
Kaylee shakes her head as she steps into the main room. She hugs her best friend goodbye. "You're ridiculous."
"You love it," Emma says.
"I do." Kaylee waves a goodbye to me. "Take care of her."
