Page 102 of Best In Class
“What’s the time?” I ask.
“Ten.”
I close my eyes. I’ve slept for twelve hours straight. I needed it. The emotional toll of yesterday still sat heavy inside of me.
“Moonbeam.” He strokes my cheek.
I open my eyes.
“Say you love me.”
I narrow my eyes.
He smiles. “Say you love me.”
“You don’t deserve the words.”
He kisses my nose. “I love you.”
“And you let my father run you out of town,” I accuse, pushing him away.
I get out of bed. I’m naked. I get my favorite Japanese-style silk robe from the closet and tie it around my waist.
He stays in bed, pillows stacked to raise his head, watching me.
“I need food,” I announce.
“Why don’t you take a shower. I’ll make grits and eggs?” he offers.
He’s a good cook. Not as good as Miss Abigail, but then no one is, but he’s pretty damn good.
I take a shower and change into linen shorts and a tank top. It’s hotter than Hades in Savannah, and I can’t wait for fall and some cooler weather to make an appearance.
We eat on the back patio.
The fan above us spins lazily, swishing the air just enough to cut the heat. The shade stretches across the flagstone like a protective veil.
Dom set the table with cloth napkins and matching mugs like he’s insisting on making this breakfast look intentional.
The grits are creamy, the eggs fluffy, and the bacon crispy. He remembered how I like my coffee—strong, black, no cream, no sugar.
We eat in silence for a few minutes.
My body thanks me with every bite, but my heart stays clenched.
I put my fork down. “Spill it,” I say.
He glances up, still chewing. “Hmm?”
“You heard me, Calder. All your secrets. Start talking.”
I pin him with my gaze, unfaltering. “All of them.”
“Fine.” He takes a long sip of coffee, sets his cup down. “That day, when I told you I had a headache, I didn’t. I lied. I knew you’d ditch your plans with your friend and stay with me.”
I scowl at him. “Dom.”
“What?” He gives me an innocent look. “You saidall my secrets. I’m starting at the start.”
