Ask Me Why(66)

I toy with the lapels of my jacket. “This is actually late for me. I’m typically in the office by now.”

Braelyn’s swollen mouth parts with a soft gasp. “What? No. Why?”

A chuckle bounces my shoulders. I point to the freshly brewed coffee set in front of an empty spot. “Poured you a cup. Sounds like you need it.”

She makes grabby-hands while moving closer. I shove the chair, giving her space to sit. Her ass hits the padded seat, and she scoots in. After taking a drink, her lashes flutter shut. “Oh, yeah. That’s the good stuff.” She licks her lips. “Wow. This is delicious.”

I enjoy a sip from my own mug. “That’s becoming a common saying for you.”

“Keeping track?”

I tap the middle of my forehead. “Hard not to. Makes great material for when I’m alone.”

Her slim brows inch upward. “Thought I was the only one fantasizing.”

Blood rushes south, straining the material of my pants. Filthy footage of Braelyn masturbating goes straight into my spank bank. “That’d be a negative.”

She peers at me over the rim of her mug, giving me another exaggerated moan.

My grip tightens on the cup’s handle. “Glad to be providing stimulation for your taste buds.”

Braelyn chokes on a large gulp and sticks her tongue out. “Ah, that’s hot.”

“Yeah, just like that.”

She huffs at me, laughter in her eyes. “You’re in an awful great mood.”

I stretch my arms out. “Why wouldn’t I be? Got my dick wet before sunrise. Hot shower. Strong coffee. Gorgeous scenery. Can’t beat that.”

She lowers her chin, but I catch the blush. “I’d almost call you a romantic.”

I wink at her. “And you’d be dead wrong.”

“Worth a shot.”

“How’d you sleep?” I pull her seat closer, linking our fingers together.

She covers her yawn with the other hand. “Really well, actually.”

“Are you surprised?”

“Honestly? Yes.”

I furrow my brow. “Why?”

Braelyn stares into her mug. “Even without the terrors, I’m lucky to get a few hours a night. My mind won’t shut off. But here? No problem.”

I dust my lips over her temple. “You’re welcome.”

She leans into my touch. “Ah, taking credit. Nice work.”

“Didn’t I tell you about the endorphin release? Easy solution.”

“Mm-hmm,” she hums. “Might have to make it a habit.”

I allow the idea to simmer, almost expecting a sour bite to sink in. But again, nothing rises to the surface. Fuck, I’m knee deep in this shit.

Braelyn giggles. “Don’t bust a brain cell. It was just an offhand comment. Maybe you need more caffeine.”

“I’m not gun shy.” I point to the semi testing my zipper’s strength. “Feel free to take advantage whenever the need arises.”

“Tell me something I don’t know,” she says.

“Well,” I divert. “I slept really well.”

“Congratulations?”

I chuckle. “Such a smartass. That’s rare for me. Seems we have another thing in common.”

She tilts a hand back and forth. “Fantastic sex leads to sound sleep. Who knew?”

“There’s probably a few studies already proving the theory.”

“Doesn’t mean further examination is off the table.”

“Want a repeat?”

She raises a brow at my suit. I snort and shake my head.

“Dirty girl. I mean dinner. But there’s a condition.”

“I’m listening.”

I turn more toward her, our knees nudging together. “Can I ask a favor?”

She sets her mug down and nods. “Sure.”

“Feel free to tell me no.”

Mossy green eyes open wide. “Please don’t suggest a threesome.”

I frown. The thought of sharing her turns my stomach. “Hell no. Who do you think I am?”

“It was a legit guess.”

My scowl deepens. “For future reference, I’m not into that sort of shit. You’re plenty.”

I want to erase the last two words the instant they escape. Dammit. What the fuck is my issue?

Braelyn lets my slip tumble down her back. “’Kay, good to know. Spit out the real thing.”

The knot in my chest releases. “Can you watch Ollie tonight? Mary has an appointment, and I have a late meeting. I shouldn’t be home later than seven.”

She nods. “Conveniently enough, Kallie is closing Thicket this evening. I’m free after four.”

“You can be here at five?”

“Yeah, sure.”

I squeeze her hand that’s still locked in mine. “That’s great. Saves me trouble.”

Her smile is too sweet. “Happy to be helpful.”

“Speaking of,” I dip closer, “thanks for lending a hand earlier.”

She hums. “I provided more than that.”

“If I didn’t have clients lined up and stacks of files to review, we’d be back upstairs.”

“Promises, promises.”