Page 26 of Secret Sin

* * *

“I suppose we should get cooking,”I said when we were still in bed a half hour later.

Bishop grunted. “Not sure I need food when I’ve got you to eat.”

My stomach bellowed an angry growl in protest, and I burst out laughing.

Bishop raised a single dark brow. “My mistake. Come on, let’s get my girl some breakfast.”

A half hour later, the air was filled with the scent of cinnamon and melted butter. I sat cross-legged on the kitchen counter wearing one of Bishop’s white undershirts, watching him man the skillet like a pro. A shirtless pro. A shirtless, tattooed, sexy-as-hell pro.

“I have to say that I never expected this. Do you cook other stuff besides French toast?” I could tell he’d made the dish before by the way he expertly kept the bread from being oversaturated with egg. Not always an easy feat.

“With five little brothers and sisters, I learned to cook at an early age. Nothing fancy, but enough to keep everyone fed.”

“That makes it sound like the task fell on your shoulders a lot.”

He shrugged, flipping the sizzling toast. “Dad passed away when I was seventeen. Ma had to work as much as she could. Wasn’t much choice, but it never bothered me too much. Life happens. Resentment would’ve only made things worse.”

Jesus, I’d had no idea.

Why would you? You’ve never taken the time to learn anything about him.

Ouch. That was a little harsh, if not a tiny bit justified.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize.”

“That was over ten years ago. Nothing to be sorry about now.” He glanced my way and flashed a small smile.

“Can you tell me how he died? If you don’t want to talk about it, though, I totally understand.” I suddenly realized I was starving to know everything about him.

“No, it’s fine. Really. Died of lung cancer. He smoked like a chimney.” Bishop stacked the fried bread onto a plate and walked over to me, coaxing my legs to dangle so he could stand between them. “Not crazy about cigarettes because of that. Never touched the things in my life.”

My heart clenched tight in my chest for the boy who’d had to grow up too quickly. “I’d say that’s understandable. Fortunately, I’m not a fan either.” I leaned in and pressed my lips to his, opening when his tongue sought entrance. We kissed languidly for a long minute until my stomach rumbled again. I devolved into a fit of giggles, hiding my face in the crook of his neck.

“All right, kitten. Let’s feed you.”

Breakfast was delicious—the atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable—but it was the company that made the meal a treat. My attraction to Bishop wasn’t just about sex. I truly enjoyed spending time with him. He was funny and thoughtful and open-minded. Conversation with him was effortless.

I wasn’t sure where our relationship would take us, but I was certain of one thing. Finding the perfect man right out of the gate might not be such a bad thing. One and done had sounded like a nightmare before I’d met Bishop. Now, I couldn’t imagine wanting anyone else.

Five Weeks Later

I should have beentired after a long day of moving, but excitement about having my own place made it easy to wait up for Bishop. I could hardly believe the place was mine. Two bedrooms and spacious but nothing ostentatious. It was absolutely perfect. A part of me kept waiting for someone to walk in from another room and yell at me to get out of their home.

It didn’t help that every single piece of furniture in the place was new. I’d spent the past month outfitting the place, scheduling all the deliveries for the day of closing. I hadn’t wanted to wait a minute longer than necessary. Fortunately, all the papers were signed without issue, and I was now a proud homeowner.

Bishop had been so supportive. He’d spent the day helping with my move, then had to run into work at the club for a few hours. That gave me a little time to set up my kitchen and unbox a few things. The amount of crap I’d had to buy almost exceeded the belongings I’d brought from my parents’ house. From cleaning supplies to kitchenware to bathroom towels, going out on my own had been a massive endeavor. And it was worth every penny.

And the fact that I would be spending the first night in my new place with Bishop made it all the more sweet. He’d texted to say he was on his way, so I was listening for him when the keypad chimed at the front door.

I jumped up as he let himself in, grinning even wider when I saw the gorgeous bouquet in his hand. “Hey there, handsome.”

Bishop flashed his trademark dimples. “I could definitely get used to this.” He set down the flowers on the kitchen counter and pulled me in for a kiss that I felt down to my toes. When he pulled back, his warm brown eyes glinted with honeyed caramel. “Security guy is coming tomorrow to install the new system.”

“You know there’s already excellent security in the building,” I pointed out, still smiling.

He simply smirked, telling me he didn’t care. I playfully rolled my eyes, not actually opposed to a security system. I just liked to challenge him sometimes so he didn’t forget I could.

---