Page 129 of Forever After All

Good. He wasn’t sure when she’d get her appetite back. She hadn’t eaten much of anything in two days. “What do you want?”

“I think there is bacon in the refrigerator. And eggs.”

Linc headed toward the kitchen. “Breakfast it is.”

Jess’s place was still pretty new to him, but he found things easily. She wasn’t one for extras, so the kitchen was stocked with only the essentials. No wall hangings. No decorative vases. No figurines. It was a functional space.

He could get used to this. Maybe she’d agree to let him come over and cook breakfast for the two of them instead of going to the dining hall every morning.

He was already trying to get more alone time with Jess. He’d never been drawn to someone before, and the need to keep her close was new, but it didn’t scare him. They’d been living in each other’s worlds for years. The progression seemed natural. Expected.

Twenty minutes later, he had bacon, eggs, and toast plated. Jess walked in as he was washing the dishes. Rubbing a towel over her hair, she let out a heavy sigh when she saw the spread of food.

“Wow. I doubt I can even make a dent in this. I hope you’re hungry,” she said as she eased to his side.

“I’ll accept your best effort.” He pulled her close and pressed a kiss to her hair. He would never get tired of these easy moments with her.

He took a step back, still holding onto her arms. “I haven’t had my shower yet.”

She rolled her eyes. “It’s not like I didn’t smell you all week.” She eyed the food. “I think my fever is down. I actually want to eat.”

Linc guided her to a chair at the table. “Dinner is served.”

She chuckled and sat. The smile on her face hadn’t faded when he finished the blessing.

“What are you so smiley about?” he asked before he took the first bite of the scrambled eggs.

“Just thinking about how different this is from the dates I went on before. It was all so formal, and the expectations weren’t clear. This is so much easier.”

He reached over and laid a hand on top of hers. “I’ll take you on real dates.”

“No, you won’t. I mean it. I like this better. Dates are about getting to know someone who is usually a stranger. You’re constantly straightening your shoulders and trying to say the right thing. At least that’s what I was doing. This is so much better. And besides, we already know each other.”

“I know that I love you,” Linc said. “I like you too most of the time.”

She chuckled, and the sound sent a tingle of happiness up his spine. If he could wrap up in the joy of that sound, he’d sleep soundly for the rest of his life.

They ate in silence for a few minutes before she spoke again. “I like that you know me and still like me.”

Linc lifted one eyebrow. “What’s not to like?”

Jess shrugged. “Lots, I guess.”

“You got it all wrong, but it’s fine. I’ll make you see the truth.”

A knock at the front door had them stopping short.

“Who could that be?” she whispered.

Linc lifted his hands. “Don’t look at me. I’m not expecting anyone at your place.”

Jess stood and went to answer the door. Linc followed a few steps behind, just to make sure everything was okay. If he had his way, he’d stand by her like this for the rest of his life.

That revelation hadn’t been a stretch after he’d confessed to loving her. She was different. She was the one. Nothing was holding him back now.

Jess rested a hand on the door and said, “Who is it?”

Good, at least she hadn’t just opened it.

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