As soon as I cleared the landing and went down the stairs I smelled food.
The stairs went right down to the living room. A vast room of a gray couch and white side chairs, clear coffee table and wide plasma screen. Everything was so modern and updated, but it fit. The outside looked like a manor, but instead it was so contemporary. I walked around the huge hallway and through another one that I hoped dumped into the kitchen. After I pushed the door open gingerly, I was glad to find that it did.
I was met with two dashing, smiling faces and I became aware of my half naked appearance and wild hair. I felt my cheeks redden as I stepped forward into the kitchen. The wide back window let the light shine in so bright I was almost blinded. The kitchen had clear marble countertops, the appliances stainless steel and sleek. And food permeated the air—I knew it had to be eggs and bacon, my favorite.
“Good morning—I see you chose Maverick’s clothes over mine.” Jude was the first to speak, his eyes casting me on fire as he looked me over. He stepped around the counter and was six inches away from me, then three. And then his lips were on mine, a soft, pliable kiss good morning that only left me wanting more when he pulled away.
“Good morning.” I said breathlessly back as he winked and walked away.
I blinked back the sudden flutter of emotion and saw Maverick beckon me closer. “Good morning,” he said, his voice deep and washing over me, “you look amazing.”
I didn’t have a time to speak before he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me between his legs at the chair. My hands hit his bare chest and he kissed me hard and left my knees buckling because it was way too early for this, but I enjoyed it.
His tongue swept over mine as his hand held the nape of my neck firmly and he kept the kiss running deep inside of our bones. And then he pulled off leaving me breathless.
“Good morning…oh God.” I added under my breath.
Maverick chuckled as I stumbled back into the seat at the island. It curved out to a u or c shape and had another chair at the end. He got up and went over to the stove as Jude sat at the other end with the morning paper. I was shocked honestly, that he read the morning paper. I didn’t do that, and I didn’t know anyone who did.
“Did you sleep well?” Jude grinned slightly to himself but didn’t look at me as he asked.
“I did. Thank you.” I cleared my throat nervously. It was weird, having slept so well actually.
I felt exhausted yet well rested at the same time. And to be sitting there in the midst of Jude and Maverick was intimidating, yet we had done so much together it was hard to be uncomfortable.
“You’re welcome. I always want you to be comfortable.” Jude winked at me and continued reading the paper.
“Thanks… what are you reading?” I asked curiously. I rested my head on my hand as I peered at him.
He grinned that wry, sexy smile of his and I had to keep myself from batting my eyelashes. His tattoos wrapped around each of his arms and reached across his wide pecs. The only bare parts of him were his abs and most of his back. The two of them were so imposing just being around me in the kitchen. But the weirdest part about it was I wanted them together. I didn’t think it would feel the same if it were only one of them… that was new for me.
“Stock reports for the day. Why, are you surprised I read?” Jude closed up the newspaper and smirked over at me.
I giggled nervously. “Honestly yes.” I bit my lip and let my cheeks heat out of embarrassment. I never knew how he would react and Jude was difficult to be around at first. They, of course, both seemed kind enough—decent men, but Jude was… well he was brash. Definitely the harsher of the two.
“I’m sorry.” I blurted out as couldn’t hold back my giggles anymore. Jude only shook his head once with a slight smile.
Maverick laughed over his shoulder at us and continued with the food.
“Don’t apologize, I always want you to be honest. But I don’t read for leisure, I only understand numbers anyway.” He slid the paper away and sipped his coffee. I watched as his lips curled around the glass and his throat bobbed as he swallowed it down. I wished I had tasted more of him—of them both. I never thought about giving men hickies before I met them.
“Oh. Sometimes I feel the same way about legal ramifications and clauses.” I murmured.
Jude grinned at me his eyes softened. “You’re cute, Henley.”
I almost frowned. “Cute?” I gaped.
He and Maverick laughed together.
Maverick turned and handed me a cup of coffee, steaming and it smelled heavenly.
“He just means you’re… actually, cute is a good word.” Maverick said.
He plated food for me and sat with me and we all started eating. It smelled amazing and the eggs were so fluffy, the bacon not too crispy, but—
“Cute?” I asked again.
Maverick grinned down his nose at me and swallowed. “You’re adorable Henley, we both think so. It’s why we were so drawn to you in the beginning.”