Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 100478 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100478 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
“Hey, Little Dragon,” I breathed against her skin.
“Hi,” she responded. “What are you doing here?”
“Just came from town hall. You?”
“I have a meeting at eleven. I decided to treat myself to breakfast before heading to it since my day is booked solid. Not sure I’ll have a chance to eat again.”
Connie came over and smiled at me. “You staying or just visiting?”
I laughed. “Staying. Coffee and the special, please. Over easy.”
“Got it.” A mug appeared, and I sipped it with appreciation.
“You look tired,” Ava said, not meeting my eyes.
“I did a lot of work on the deck. Finished the framework and steps and plan on starting the boards today.”
“You didn’t come over last night.”
Her words hung between us. For a moment, I was at a loss, then I cleared my throat. “I fell asleep on the couch. I was whacked. Never made the dinner on the barbecue I had planned either.” It was a partial lie, but it was all I could offer her. I had no plans on telling her how strong a hold she had on me. I could barely acknowledge it to myself.
“So, you’ve come seeking sustenance.”
“And I got you too.” I nudged her with my elbow. “Double bonus.”
“I missed you,” she whispered.
I wasn’t sure how to respond, but I dropped my hand to her leg, found her fingers, and squeezed them.
“The couch wasn’t as comfortable as your bed,” I admitted.
She rolled her eyes but, Ava being Ava, let it drop. She asked about Cash, the next step in the renovation, and entertained me with more stories of her work escapades.
Our breakfasts came, and I had to laugh as she slipped one of her eggs onto my plate and scooped some potatoes from mine without asking. I had no objections since I preferred the eggs over the spuds, but it seemed such an oddly intimate thing between us. She already knew my likes and also knew I wouldn’t mind.
We ate in companionable silence for a few moments. I was starved, and the food was good. Simple, but tasty. I finished my toast, and Ava slid hers my way, letting me take a piece to finish off my eggs. I grinned at her, laughing as she speared the last potato from the edge of my plate.
The harmony of the moment was interrupted by two large bodies sliding into the booth with us. We were startled and looked up, meeting the wry grins and dancing gazes of Ronan and Liam. They filled the booth, barely fitting on the bench. The look of sheer delight on their faces was enough to make me groan.
Ava spoke. “What are you two clowns doing here?”
“We came for breakfast,” Ronan replied. “Imagine our shock when we saw our sister having breakfast with her neighbor.”
“Showing him around again, Ava?” Liam asked.
“He saw me here and asked to join me. No point in the two of us eating breakfast alone. Not that it’s any of your business,” she added haughtily.
Her tone didn’t make them back down.
“Oh.” Ronan looked at Liam then cast his gaze around the booth. “Are we sitting on imaginary friends that joined you too? I assume that’s why you two are fused at the hip on the same side of the booth.”
Liam smirked. “And sharing food. Isn’t that so…” He trailed off as Ava glared at him. “Kind.”
Ronan nodded, leaning back in the booth. “Neighborly. She’s a great neighbor, Liam. The best, I’d say.”
I wanted to tell the two of them to fuck off. Except it was too funny. They both knew what was going on. They weren’t trying to be assholes, simply humorous. And the bottom line was I didn’t care. If they didn’t give me a hassle, I wouldn’t be rude. I knew how much her family meant to Ava, and although I didn’t understand it, I could respect it.
“She is the best neighbor,” I agreed. “She already told me not to expect too much from you two slackers in that department. She explained she was the responsible, polite one in the family.”
For a moment, they were silent, then they began to laugh. I joined in, shaking my head.
“You want coffee?” I surprised myself by asking.
Somehow I wasn’t shocked when they said yes.
Connie brought the fresh mugs, filled up mine and Ava’s, and left after assuring Ronan that, yes, they had the grilled cinnamon bun and she would bring him the biggest one they had. Liam ordered one as well, and Ava piped up, saying she and I would split one.
Apparently breakfast had two courses today.
Over the delicious buns and coffee, Ronan asked about the house. I told him what I told Ava, adding in the fact that I was going to call Mr. Shuman about the plans.
“Good luck.” He grinned. “He’s probably fishing. He’s always fishing.”
“Well, I’ll try the places she gave me numbers for.”