Key of Light (Key 1)

“Morning. Sorry to interrupt. You must be Malory.”

“Yes, I must be.” Her brain was a bit muddled from the kiss, but she was pretty sure she was staring up at a great-looking guy wearing nothing but black boxer shorts. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize Flynn had company . . . oh.” Her brain cleared. “You’re Jordan Hawke. I’m a big fan.”

“Thanks.”

“Hold it.” Flynn held up a hand as Jordan started down. “Maybe you could go put some pants on.”

“Sure.”

“Come on back. I need to let Moe out.” Giving her hand a tug, Flynn managed to dislodge her from the spot she’d frozen in to stare at Jordan. But she dug in again at the living room entrance.

Brad was facedown on the couch, with one arm and one leg drooping off. He was dressed like Jordan, though his boxers were white.

It was interesting to note, Malory thought, that the scion of the Vane empire had an excellent butt.

“Slumber party?” she ventured.

“Guys don’t have slumber parties. We just hang out. Moe!” Flynn called the dog, who’d wandered in to lick the portion of Brad’s face that wasn’t smashed into the cushions. “Brad’s always been able to sleep through anything.”

“So it would seem. It’s nice to have your friends back in town.”

“Yeah.” He pulled her back to the kitchen. Moe beat them to it, and stood dancing at the back door as if he’d been waiting for hours. He streaked out the instant Flynn opened it.

“Why don’t I make some coffee?” Malory offered.

“Yeah? You’ll make it?”

“Just part of the service.” Since the coffee can was already on the counter, she measured enough for a full pot. “If you marry me, I’d make the coffee every morning. Of course, I’d expect you to take out the trash every day.” She tossed a grin over her shoulder. “I believe in sharing household chores.”

“Uh-huh.”

“And there’s the unlimited access to sex.”

“That’s a big plus.”

She laughed as she measured the water. “I like making you nervous. I don’t think I’ve ever made a man nervous before. Then again . . .” She switched the pot on, turned around. “I’ve never been in love with one before. Not like this.”

“Malory—”

“I’m a very determined woman, Flynn.”

“Oh, yeah, that’s coming through loud and clear.” He stepped back even as she moved in on him. “I just think we should . . .”

“What?” She trailed her hands up his chest.

“See? I can’t remember once you start looking at me.”

“I take that as a good sign.” She touched her lips lightly to his.

“I’m already making a habit of this,” Jordan said as he came in. “Sorry.”

“It’s all right.” Malory brushed her hair back as she turned away to find clean coffee mugs. “I just stopped in to ask Flynn to marry me. It’s nice to meet another of his friends. Are you in town for long?”

“Depends. What did he say when you asked him?”

“Oh, he has trouble making complete sentences when I bring up love and marriage. Odd, isn’t it, seeing as he’s a journalist.”

“You know, I’m standing right here,” Flynn pointed out.