Chapter 16
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Emery
Downstairs, the rich scent of coffee leads me to the large house’s kitchen. Declan’s at the counter with two mugs. A box of cereal and two bowls sit next to the coffee maker.
“If you’re not in the mood for cereal again, we can stop—”
“I’ll have breakfast at the inn,” I say, not wanting to stress him out with additional stops if he needs to go to work.
His mouth twists down. “Mrs. Applewood is probably wondering where you are.”
“She does seem to keep tabs on everyone.” I take the mug of coffee Declan hands me, inhaling the dark brew for a second, then taking a sip. Notes of caramel and milk chocolate linger on my tongue. “Do you have cream?”
He ducks his head into the refrigerator, pulls out a red container and checks the date before handing it to me. “It should be good.”
“What a ringing endorsement,” I tease, unscrewing the cap and giving it a sniff before pouring it in my mug.
He hands me a spoon, and I stir in the cream then take another sip. “Mmm, perfect.”
“You all right?” he asks, concern darkening his handsome face.
“Feeling a little gross climbing into my dirty clothes.” I pluck at my shirt, pulling it away from my chest.
His lips twist into a devilish grin. “I should’ve spent some time soaping you up in the shower.”
“I would’ve liked that.” I step closer, heat from his body washing over me. The band twisting from wrist to elbow tingles. “For future reference, next time I prefer to be woken up with more kissing and snuggling, and less ‘claimed by the Rider’ talk.”
Pain flashes in his eyes, lingering long enough to make me wish I hadn’t joked about something he takes so seriously, but then the corner of his mouth quirks. “So, you’re saying there’ll be a next time?”
“It sounds like we’re…bound now?” I raise my eyebrows, punctuating the question.
His gaze shifts to the side and he nods.
I sip my coffee again. “You really think a video about the results of my investigation could make everything worse?”
“I don’t think,” he says with quiet authority. “I know.”
“I wouldn’t post it until I’m home. Far away from…here.” Why does the thought of leaving Crowsbridge Hollow bother me so much now?
No, not leaving the Hollow. Leaving Declan. Big difference.
I drop my gaze to the green band glowing around my wrist. Is that why I feel this deeper connection to him now? Or is it the fantastic orgasm he gave me without asking for anything in return?
Maybe a little of both.