You checked the door twice yesterday.
I counted.
Then you checked it again after you turned off the light.
You only used to do that when I was already inside.
It’s interesting.
What your body remembers before your mind catches up.
You’re getting better at pretending.
Not better at hiding.
I can still see you.
CHAPTER 39
IVY
The day kicks off with the promise of something good. “Let’s go out for brunch, sleepyhead.” Soren smiles at me, his finger trailing across my jaw when I open my eyes, keeping me there.
He’s been watching me again, his mouth curving slightly as his eyes meet mine.
I stretch, squeezing my eyes closed before looking at him again.
There’s an air of expectation around him, like he’s a little antsy. Keen to get moving.
I smirk. “Were you waiting for me to wake up? You’re like a kid on Christmas morning.”
“Can’t help it if I’m eager to spend the morning with my favorite person.” He grins, and it makes my stomach flutter. “Is that a problem?”
God, he can be charming when he wants to be.
He jumps up and heads toward the door, looking over his shoulder. “Get ready. Let’s go.”
I pull the sheet down, and his eyes immediately trail acrossmy body. “Unless you want to stay here instead,” he says, his eyes darkening.
I laugh softly. “I’m actually really hungry, now that you mention it.”
“So am I,” his voice deepens as he gazes at my core.
I smooth my pajama shorts down. “Stop!” I blush. “Let’s go eat—brunch—and then see what the day brings.”
I head to the bathroom, shower and get ready. My outfit is casual but feminine, a green romper that looks more like a dress, with tiny white flowers and thin spaghetti straps. A temporary departure from my usual black and gray.
Brunch is casual, leisurely. We’re at a cute spot about a ten-minute drive from Soren’s apartment. It’s indoor-outdoor, and we’ve chosen a table outside in the open space lined with a variety of plants.
The atmosphere is lively, with lots of people walking by on their way to and from the nearby weekend market, produce and baguettes poking out from their recyclable bags. Dogs bark, and children laugh in the distance.
I sip my coffee, savoring the deep roast as a gentle breeze cools my skin. “This place is great,” I say. “The coffee’s amazing.”
Soren smiles, pleased. “I knew you’d like it. I chose it for you.”
My thoughts roam, and I frown as I recall the brief anonymous message that came in earlier. I should tell Soren.
If it is my ex, I don’t think he’s actually watching me. There’s no way that Soren’s security wouldn’t flag it.