Iwoke cuddled around Lark, her shampoo-fresh hair tickling my nose. I swiped it to the side and kissed her neck.
“Mmm, good morning,” she said, snuggling into me more, my already-aware body becoming even more hyper-alert.
“Did you sleep well?” I asked.
“Like a baby,” she said and then flopped over onto her back, stretching her arms above her head. The sheet slipped, and I about swallowed my tongue. It didn’t matter how many times I saw her naked, or that I’d stroked and kissed and licked every inch of her; she still took my breath and made me feel as if I were having an out of body experience.
I pulled the sheet back up to her chin but rolled on top of her, letting her feel what she was doing to me. I needed the barrier between us, or I’d be inside her before we could have the discussion I wanted to have.
“Mmm,” she hummed again. “Yes, please.”
I kissed her deeply and then rolled back over. She pouted, sticking her bottom lip out at me. It was absolutely adorable. I leaned down and nipped that plump flesh before licking away the sting.
“Later,” I said, running a fingertip down her nose.
“You’re no fun,” she said and flopped onto an elbow, her head resting in her hand.
It had been just over a month since we’d finished the shoot at the steamboat houses. The final product was utterly amazing. They ended up working in some of the static camera footage of all the stuff that went down with Turner and Lark at the hands of Lionel and his henchman, and the network was running it at two different times to reach both their fans of paranormal reality and true crime. They were calling itDanger at the Doulluts. I thought it had a nice ring to it.
I pushed off from the bed and stood, pulling on some sweats. “Do you want coffee?”
She yawned, stretching again and looking entirely too delicious lying there. “Yes, please.” She flashed me a smile, and I felt it all the way to my toes.
I grabbed us both a cup of Joe and returned to the bedroom, handing her a mug. She tucked the sheet around her and sat up in bed against the headboard and pillows, taking a sip. “It’s perfect. Thank you.” I watched her lips work and her throat move. Everything about her enchanted me.
“You’re welcome.” Just those two words brought a soft smile to her lips. I wanted to do that for her. Always.
I sat on the edge of the bed facing her, my inside leg tucked up under me.
She looked at me and her brow furrowed. “You look serious. What’s wrong?” She reached out her free hand and grabbed my knee, an adorable little line between her brows coming out to play.
“Nothing’s wrong,” I said. “I’ve just been doing some thinking.”
“Always dangerous,” she quipped.
“Smartass.”
She shrugged, flashing me a what-you-gonna-do look.
I started again. “I was thinking about things as they are now.”
She took another sip of her dark roast, looking at me over the rim of her mug before putting it on the night table. I followed suit. “What bits specifically?”
“Our living situation.”
“Oh, crap, right. I keep meaning to put you in contact with Lennie’s friend.”
I smiled. “Actually, I’ve already talked to Merrick.”
She cocked her head. “You have? That’s great. Did she have anything she thought might work?”
“She did. It’s about halfway between here and the road to Lagniappe Isle. A four-three with an attached workshop.”
“That sounds amazing,” she said, a huge smile gracing her beautiful face. “Are you going to look at it?” She sounded hopeful.
My stomach did a little flip, and I felt heat flare. “I, uh . . .” I looked away, trying to gather my courage. “I already bought it. I closed two days ago.”
“You, what?” she said, leaning forward to smack me with the back of her hand. I laughed. “Why didn’t you tell me? That’s great!” Then she leaned in and kissed me, and I just soaked her in for a second, trying to gather my thoughts. Unfortunately, with all her luscious curves pressed against me, those thoughts were disappearing about as fast as they entered my mind.