Rowan
The morning sunlight streams through the kitchen windows, casting a warm golden glow over Graysons features, highlighting the green of his eyes. The scent of freshly brewed espresso and sizzling bacon fills the air, mingling with the faint aroma of Grayson’s cologne on my skin. He stands at the stove, his broad shoulders relaxed as he flips an omelet. I sit at the kitchen island sipping a cup of coffee, watching him with a soft smile. Under different circumstances, this could be our life. Simple, quiet.
The intimacy of last night carries into this morning, lingering between us. Every glance, I catch him smiling, I catch myself too. For once it doesn’t feel like we're part of some business arrangement, it feels– deeper.
“How do you like your eggs?” He asks, his voice warm and familiar .
“Scrambled, please,” I reply. “And I could get used to this. Breakfast cooked by a Mafia boss.”
He chuckles, the sound rich and comforting. “Don’t get used to it. I’m not sure how many more recipes I know.”
Just as he finishes plating the eggs and bacon, the back door opens and Laila walks in with Sophia.
“Good morning!” Sophia greets us, her voice cheerful. “I hope we’re not interrupting.”
“Not at all,” Grayson replies smoothly, turning to greet them. “We were just about to eat. Join us?”
Laila raises an eyebrow, her gaze flicking between Grayson and I. “Well this is a surprise. I didn’t know you were such a domestic goddess, Grayson.”
I can't help but laugh, catching Grayson’s eyes with a playful look. We all sit down at the dining table and Grayson says their family prayer before we eat.
“So it looks like you newlyweds are growing quite fond of each other.” Sophia breaks the silence.
“Yeah, I guess we’re getting used to each other.” Grayson says, nonchalantly .
“Oh bullshit I saw you two walking back to the house late last night laughing your asses off. Just admit you like .” Laila teases.
Grayson tenses. “Enough, Laila.”
“You do! Everyone can see it.”
Grayson shifts uncomfortably as I watch their encounter. “I said enough . And I’m not twelve years old, I don’t need to admit I like anyone.”
Sophia smiles warmly, oblivious to the underlying tension. “Well, this is nice. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a family breakfast like this. Speaking of family meals, Sunday dinner tonight. , the carbonara you made back in Chicago was phenomenal, you have to make it again for Grayson.”
“Yeah he never got to try it, oh my gosh Grayson it is so good!” Laila cuts in.
“Sounds like a plan. We’ll throw on some Frank Sinatra and have a couple glasses of wine.” I say, looking over at Laila.
“Girl, you are the sister I never had.” She laughs .
We finish breakfast and say goodbye to Laila and Sophia. They definitely gave me a bright start to the day.
Grayson shuts the door behind them and turns to me. “You and I have plans today.”
“Okay I’ll make sure to clear my super busy schedule,” I say sarcastically. “What do you have planned?”
Grayson squints at me, biting back a smile. “You’ll see, oh, and make sure to wear one of your pretty little white dresses.” He says with a wink.
“What time should I be ready?” I ask with a shy grin.
“Two hours.” He tosses over his shoulder as he walks to his office.