“It’s fine.” I chuckled as I climbed to my feet, found his phone, and waited for him to come back. I held it out as he tried to shove on his sinfully short shorts. “Maybe we can get together later?”
I was disappointed he was getting dressed. I liked the view of his body, and I wanted to see it again. Explore him a little more now that I wasn’t riddled with lust.
Reed poked his head through the neck of his shirt. “Absolutely.” He grabbed the phone from my hand and rushed off again. Then the echo of his feet sounded closer as he came back to my room and nearly knocked me over as he kissed me. “Last night was fantastic, Cole. Thank you.” He dragged his hands through my curls. “I’m sorry I have to run out on you like this. I would have liked to spend the day wrapped up in your arms, exploring your body.”
I guess we were on the same page.
“Baby, it’s fine. I completely understand. Text me when you’re free,” I murmured. “I want to take you out tonight.”
Reed’s eyes went wide with surprise. “I’d love that.” He tilted his head. “And then you can tell me about this.”
His fingertips traced the bruise on my ribs. Pain flared from my side, and I flinched and sucked in my breath. I had almost forgotten about that.
“I missed it last night because I was too wrapped up all your hotness, but I’m assuming it’s why you were late to the party?”
“It comes with being a hockey player.”
It had been an accident, of course, and Maverick had nearly had a heart attack over it. But my uncle had leaped from his seat, rushed down to the ice, and cursed Wyatt up and down before he swore he would never let me put on another pair of skates again. Which was hilarious, because I wanted to play professional hockey.
Reed gave me a soft smile, then leaned down and skimmed his lips over my bruise. It should have hurt more than it did, but it sent all the blood in my body rushing south. Then he rose on his toes. “Mm hm.” He kissed me again. “I’ll text you when I’m done. Be careful out there, Casanova.”
And then he was off, hurrying home to his parents’ house, and I was laughing like it was the funniest thing I had ever seen. I peeked my head out the window to catch sight of him as he hurried across the lawn. God, he was perfect. His body was a work of art. I couldn’t wait to see him again. Not just to touch him, but to be near him. No one had made me feel the way Reed did.
I smiled to myself as I showered, dressed, and headed to the Bean on Main to grab something to eat. I wasn’t a big coffee drinker, I preferred my energy drink, but Tate lit up when I stepped inside, so it was the right decision. He waved in excitement, his face nearly splitting with the smile he wore.
“Cole, hi!” Tate exclaimed. “I didn’t expect to see you this morning.”
I grinned. “I was looking for something flaky and delicious this morning.”
“Oh, I think I can help you with that.” Tate beamed happily. “I just made more chocolate croissants, and they’re pretty good. Would you like one?” His green eyes were wide with hope.
I nodded. “That sounds perfect.”
I couldn’t help but feel his excitement. Tate was always so happy and friendly. It had been a big surprise when Dean and Maverick had found out they had a younger brother they didn’t know about, but they had accepted him without question. He seemed to be thriving here in North Carolina.
“On the house.” Tate placed the pastry in front of me on the table where I sat down along with a can of Monster.
I shook my head. “I can’t let you do that.”
“You can, and you will. You’re family,” he assured me.
I nodded. “All right, but only if you join me.”
“Oh.” Tate blushed but sat down across from me. He smoothed down the front of his tan apron as he chewed nervously on his bottom lip. “How are you enjoying North Carolina so far?”
I popped open the can. “We’re going to do small talk now? How about you tell me if you’re seeing someone instead.”
I had no idea how Tate identified. He was a couple of years older than me, and maybe it was time we grew closer. Just because he was sort of my uncle didn’t mean we couldn’t be good friends.
“Ha, uh, no.” Tate giggled softly as a dark red blush crept up his neck and over his face. “I’m not.” He shook his head, then climbed to his feet and walked behind the counter. For a second, I thought maybe I had scared him away, but he came back with a cup of coffee and his phone.
I tilted my head. “Is there someone you’re interested in? I mean, you’re cute. You could have your pick of anyone. I don’t want to push you. You could be Ace. Not that you have to tell me anything.”
“I’m not sure what I am.” Tate blushed again and took a sip of his coffee.
When he didn’t say anything else, I reached for my croissant. It was just as heavenly as it looked. Warm, flaky, and full of chocolate goodness.
“Damn, this is amazing! You should be advertising the hell out of these.”