I roll over in bed, my eyes still closed, and pat the other side of the bed, reaching for Nova but finding nothing but empty space.
I slowly blink my eyes open and stretch my arms above my head, a loud yawn escaping me at the same time. I sit up and the covers pool at my naked waist.
Since the bedroom is open to the rest of the apartment it’s easy to see Nova in the kitchen, hips swaying, as she dances around the kitchen with a spatula mixing up a cake.
“Oh!” She startles when she sees me awake.
I grin at her and slip from the bed, pulling on a pair of clean boxer briefs from the dresser drawer.
I head over to her and lean across the stainless-steel island countertop.
“Whatcha up to?”
She flicks a piece of hair out of her eyes that’s escaped her messy bun.
“Heard it’s my boyfriend’s birthday.” She shrugs.
“Hmm, you mean I slept with someone that’s taken last night. Shit.”
She laughs and smacks my arm. “I was trying to get this done before you woke up.”
“The smell woke me up.” I slide onto one of the barstools.
She sets the bowl she’s stirring on the counter. “No eating until tonight.” She wags a finger, trying to drive home her point, but she just looks fucking adorable.
“You can’t taunt me with a delicious fucking cake and then make me wait hours to eat.”
She mock pouts. “Aw, the poor baby. Boo-hoo.” She rubs closed fists against her eyes like she’s crying.
I stand up and before she can blink I’ve grabbed her by the hips and lifted her onto the island.
“You’re going to be punished for that,” I warn her with a growl against her ear.
“Ooh, sounds fun.”
“You’re so much naughtier than you think you are.”
“Mmm,” she hums. “Maybe I do know and I like to act innocent.”
I pick her up again and throw her over my shoulder, intending to take her back to bed.
“Jace!” she shrieks, beating my back. “I have to finish your birthday cake.”
I sigh and set her back down.
“Fine,” I whine. Though, I’d much prefer sex to the cake—but hey, I better get some pretty fucking great birthday sex tonight so I guess I can wait.
I can be a gentleman when I want … Sort of.
I set her down and she scurries back behind the island, using it to put space between us. I nearly roll my eyes.
Does she really think that would keep me away?
“We’re out of eggs,” she announces. “Can you go get some?”
I mock gasp, placing a hand to my chest. “Are you sending me to run errands on my birthday? I’m ashamed, Nova. You should be giving me facials and rubbing my feet.”
I know we’re not out of fucking eggs. I bought two dozen yesterday.