Page 15 of Just One Kiss

“Besides, I said breakfast, not more sex.” Nonplussed, he strode to the dresser and pulled out a pair of sweats. “Although I wouldn’t say no if you were in the mood for more sex.”

She ignored his tempting statement and watched his gorgeous body move and bend as he pulled on the pants. “I’ll stay for breakfast,” she murmured.

His smile caused butterflies to take flight in her stomach again, but she ignored them, telling herself she enjoyed his company. Why not hang out with him a little longer? Besides, sneaking out had been a shitty thing to do. “I’m sorry I tried to run out on you.”

“I get it.” He walked over to where she remained in the doorway, his big body cornering her against the frame. “One-night stands are usually pretty awkward the morning after. But I’d like to think we’re more than that.”

“But we agreed—”

“On one night, I know. And I’m not going to pressure you. I just thought since we confided in each other, we’re friends now. Right?”

She swallowed hard. Why did that one word disappoint her when she didn’t want anything more? “Yes,” she agreed. “We’re friends.”

“Then wait while I get ready. We’ll go downstairs to the café on the corner and get breakfast. Then I’ll hail you a taxi or call for an Uber.”

She smiled. “I’d like that.”

A little while later, they were sitting across from each other at a typical Manhattan diner. While Jade ordered a mushroom omelet, Knox chose the Hearty Man’s Breakfast, a huge meal of scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, and sausage.

They’d been served their coffees, and both were taking a moment to savor their first sip of caffeine. “God, I needed this,” she murmured.

He chuckled. “Long night?” he asked with a knowing grin.

Her cheeks heated and she was sure she flushed red. “Funny.”

“Actually, I thought it was amazing.” The gorgeous hazel eyes she’d been mesmerized by last night as he’d entered her now studied her intently.

“Me, too,” she admitted.

“Amazing enough to do it again?” He lifted the white mug to his sensual lips, his gaze still steady on hers over the top of his mug.

Her belly twisted, desire flowing through her at the thought. But she needed to be strong and stick with the course she’d chosen. No men. No hurt.

She sighed. “Knox, we had an agreement.”

He lowered the mug to the table. “Can’t blame a guy for trying.” He winked just as their breakfast was served.

They began to eat in companionable silence.

“No bacon or sausage?” he asked.

She shook her head. “The nitrites are bad for my migraines.”

His gaze softened. “You really suffer with those, don’t you?”

She nodded. “Ever since I was eight.”

Jade clearly remembered overhearing her brothers talking about her mother’s mental problems, how she couldn’t take the pain, so she’d chosen death to escape it. So when Jade had started to get those same headaches, too, she’d been terrified.

Jade vividly remembered lying in a dark room and Serenity taking care of her, bringing in cold cloths and putting them on her forehead. But she’d never let them get her down, always fought to get through the day to do what was on her schedule.

“I’m sorry,” Knox said, interrupting thoughts she’d much rather not dwell on right now. “I hate that you have to deal with them.”

She managed a smile. “They’re something I’ve grown used to. I’ve learned how to push through, most days, though now and then, a migraine will prevent me from functioning.” And then there was her anxiety.

Apparently, Theo hadn’t shared much with his stepbrother, and Jade was glad for that. She didn’t need Knox knowing all her flaws. Just one more reason not to get any further involved with this seemingly perfect man. Theo had been considerate of her in the beginning, too… until her migraines got in the way of his social life. He wasn’t happy unless he was hanging out in loud bars, and she just couldn’t take that for long.

Nor did she enjoy that kind of socializing. As much as she’d wanted to make her fiancé happy, she’d wanted them to make each other happy, too. And that meant not giving up who she was to please him. She’d often told him she didn’t mind if he went alone. After all, she hadn’t wanted to ruin his fun. Though she’d wished he’d do more of the things she enjoyed, too. Compromise. Something Theo didn’t understand. And she hadn’t expected his fun to be cheating on her. She was certain Knox’s wife hadn’t been Theo’s only indiscretion.

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