Tied With Me (With Me In Seattle)(29)

“Something funny?”

“This is incredibly funny,” I confirm. “You’re feeding me.”

“I am,” he agrees and then smiles widely. “It won’t happen often, but I feel like spoiling you a bit. Humor me?”

“You’re the boss.” I shrug and lean back, letting him feed us both. “How are Brynna and Caleb doing?”

“They are almost a week into their honeymoon, so I would think they’re f*cking like rabbits and having a great time.”

“Oh! Brynna said she didn’t think they’d be able to get away.”

Matt offers me some juice, and I gratefully accept.

“It was a gift from the family.”

“That’s awesome.” I lean over and kiss Matt’s bare shoulder, then remember myself and ask, “Am I allowed to do that?”

“To kiss me?”

“Yeah. You didn’t give me permission.”

“We’re just sitting here, having breakfast and chatting, Nic. You can touch me whenever you want, unless I give you direction that says otherwise.”

“Oh. I like that.”

“Good.” He grins and offers me some scrambled eggs.

“So, where did you all send them?” I ask and refuse the next bite, too full to eat any more.

“Italy,” he replies casually and finishes the rest of the breakfast himself.

“Italy,” I repeat with a snort. “Holy crap, that’s some honeymoon.”

“I know.” He nods. “Dominic owns a home there.”

“He seems nice.”

Matt’s eyes narrow on my face.

Is he jealous?

“He’s a good guy. I haven’t known him long. Just a few months.”

“But he’s your brother.”

“Half brother,” he clarifies and sets the empty tray on the bedside table. “We didn’t know he existed until about five months ago.”

“Wow.”

“What do you have planned for today?” Matt asks, effectively changing the subject.

“I could use a trip to the grocery store, but other than that, I don’t have solid plans.”

He looks uncertain when he meets my gaze and says simply, “I’d like to spend today with you.”

“Okay,” I agree. “What do you have in mind?”

“Anything you want,” he replies. “Let’s get out of this apartment for a while, and then I’d very much like to spend tonight here with you.”

“I’d like to go down to Pike Place Market for some produce for the week.” I tap my lip with my finger, contemplating all the possibilities. “Maybe pick up some fresh chocolate from the chocolate place just up the hill from there.”

“You use fresh chocolate in your cupcakes?” Matt asks.

“Of course. I buy all my chocolate from them. It’s the best.”

“Okay. I might have a surprise before the Market and the chocolate place.” He checks the time, then leans in and kisses me softly. “Thank you for this morning.”

He kisses me once more and pulls me from the bed. “Let’s shower and then head out. We need an early start.”

He picks me up in his arms and marches into the bathroom.

“Are we going to get dirty again before we get clean?” I ask with a laugh.

“Oh, definitely.”

***

“God, I love Seattle in the summer!” I exclaim and lean on the railing of the ferry, breathing in the salty air and enjoying the breeze in my hair and on my skin.

It’s a gorgeous sunny summer day in Puget Sound. Matt surprised me with a ferry ride over to Bainbridge Island, which is only about a forty-minute ride, but the view is spectacular.

“I do, too,” he agrees and leans on the rail, watching the Olympic Mountains grow smaller as we drift away from the island toward Seattle. “Did you enjoy the town?”

“It’s a cute place.” I nod and smile. “The bagel shop makes one hell of a sandwich.”

“Next time we’ll rent bikes and ride around the island.”

“Sounds fun, too.”

He steps behind me, wraps his arms around my shoulders and rests his lips on the top of my head, holding me snugly against his chest as we enjoy the spectacular views around us.

I haven’t known him long, and I’ve already placed so much trust in this man. More than anyone in my life before. His quiet calm is soothing.