Page 22 of Just Breathe

“What kind of dog is he? He is so loving.” Tango pushed himself against her for more love. Of course, he would like her. I guess dogs are really like their owners.

“He’s a German Shepard.” Tango pushed her back, trying to get more loving. “Tango, stop.” He looked at me like I was ruining his life, but he backed off to stand by me.

“Ah it’s ok sweetheart.” Jane laughed as she got up. “We can have another loving session when I’m not starving and not caffeinated.”

“Sorry, he’s normally not like this.” I turned away and walked to the kitchen, hoping she would follow.

“Wow, your house is beautiful. Do all of you live here?” She was looking around, admiring everything.

“Yeah, we’ve been here for a few years.” We walked into the kitchen.

“Holy shit. This kitchen is amazing!” Jane looked around the kitchen, not even aware that Nathan and Aiden were staring at her. “Wow, that stove is incredible.” She walked over to it and turned on a few burners.

I laughed as I put the bags on our island. She realized she was geeking out. Her cheeks were turned pink from embarrassment.

“Sorry.” She looked cute, embarrassed. “Good morning, guys.” She walked up to the island and I noticed for the first time the denim cut-offs she’d paired with her hiking boots. Long, tan legs. Her hair dangling by her shoulders in two braids. She looked so good, I think I could have come in my pants just staring after her.

“Morning,” we parroted back, and I knew they were checking her out, too.

“So, I brought a little of everything for breakfast and cold brew.” She took stuff out of the bags, laid them out on the counter. “I also bought some fruit and chocolate for dessert since Nathan had lunch covered. I almost made PB & J’s, so you didn’t have to make anything, Nathan.”

I barked a laugh, making both Nathan and Aiden look at me in surprise. I knew I liked her for a reason.

“Uh, was that a bad thing?” Jane looked confused, taking my laughing the wrong way.

“No, I just suggested the same thing and Nathan was…”

“I just had different plans for lunch already,” Nathan interrupted me, giving me a don’t you start look.

“Oh ok. Well, I brought some burritos, bagels and some pastries. Oh, and some bacon on the side, Darcy gave them to me because Mary was making quiches but realized she didn’t have cream and she’s been trying to get rid of some bacon.” She finished unpacking, and I swear it was enough food to feed us all day. Did she know my secret of constantly being hungry and my fear that I might not get my next meal soon?

“This is a lot of food.” Aiden looked at the counter and then at me like he was asking me if this was enough for me.

“Well, I don’t know what y’all like and I figure we could always snack on stuff later or you can save it for tomorrow. I also didn’t know if you guys would have stuff for coffee. I wanted to be prepared. Where can I get cups?” That southern twang came out every now and then as she folded the bags, setting it aside and heading to get paper towels.

“Let me get them.” Nathan turned to grab a few glasses.

I grabbed one strip of bacon, putting it in my mouth, while I got a burrito. She passed out the paper towels. “Cold brew?” She looked up at me expectantly.

“Uh… sure.” I had no idea what the hell cold brew was.

“Cold brew?” she asked Nathan and Aiden.

“Sure,” Aiden answered, looking confused too.

“I’ll help you make them,” Nathan offered, and of course, he would know what it was.

Aiden and I looked at each other as we ate. Obviously, Nathan knew what she was talking about. He was more food savvy than Aiden and I. “Want to make cold foam?” Nathan pulled some weird long blender thingy from the bottom cabinet.

Jane’s eyes lit up. “Fuck yeah.”

Nathan gave her a shy smile, while he got the crap he needed for this cold foam they were talking about. I don’t think I had seen him so unsure of himself with a girl.

“Do you guys want cold foam?” She glanced at Aiden and I looking a little more awake, like cold foam was the answer to her morning.

“Uh… I don’t...”

“Callum will probably like it. Aiden doesn’t like sweet or milky coffee,” Nathan answered for Aiden and I.

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