Cass picked up after the second ring. “Hey! I hoped you would call soon. How are you doing?”
Sasha let out a long breath, relieved to be talking to her friend. “I’m okay. It’s quiet here and the security guy was waiting when we got in last night. How about you?”
“The hotel’s nice and so is my bodyguard. Her name is Ava Talbott and she’s on top of things here. But still, I don’t think I need protection.”
Sasha rolled her eyes. “You do. What if the stalker thinks I’m staying with you but hiding out? Then you’re in danger, too.”
“Fine. And thank you for taking care of me. Now what can I do for you?”
Sasha glanced up at the ceiling, thinking about her upcoming itinerary. “Confirm this week’s schedule and check in with Dina. Make sure her firm sends whatever letters and mail they’ve been keeping from us over to the new security team.”
“On it,” Cassidy said.
“And if you need me, don’t hesitate to call.”
“I will.” She paused. “How are things going with Xander?”
Sasha bit down on the inside of her cheek. “Awkward and uncomfortable.” But she was hoping she could break through his reserve.
“I’m sure you’ll charm him soon enough,” Cassidy said. “Yell if you need a pep talk, okay?”
Sasha laughed. “Will do.” She said goodbye and disconnected the call.
It was time to tackle the day … and the man who was helping her. After a refreshing shower, she chose an easy sundress, pulled her hair into a damp, messy bun, and headed to see what she could find for breakfast. The door to Xander’s room was closed, and she made her way to the kitchen, Bella coming up to her, seemingly out of nowhere.
Sasha bent down to pet her soft head. “Hey, girl. Where do you sleep at night?” Did she have her own doggie bed somewhere or did she share the mattress with her dad? She remembered Xander in bed at night and wondered if he still slept naked.
She shook her head before she could let her mind travel further down that road. Rising, she walked through the house, the dog trotting by her side.
She entered the oversized kitchen to find the man she’d been thinking about standing by the stove. With his damp hair, he appeared freshly showered. He wore a pair of black sweats and an Original Kings faded tee shirt that accentuated the muscles in his forearms. And he had his sexy black glasses on his face, which told her his eyes were bothering him this morning. She wished he didn’t have to deal with his head injury, but she did love looking at him with those frames.
He must have sensed her presence, because he glanced over before he flipped an omelet in the frying pan, using a spatula.
“Morning, sunshine.”
She blinked at his use of the old nickname he had for her. One she’d pushed out of her mind, thinking she’d never hear him call her that again. But here he was, not only using it but he sounded different. His voice held a warmth and lightness he hadn’t used around her since her return.
She told herself not to read too much into it. “Good morning.” She walked up beside him and glanced down. “A vegetable omelet. It smells good.”
“I’m glad because I’m making two.”
“Thanks. Is your head bothering you?” She reached out to stroke his forehead and jerked her hand back, hoping he hadn’t realized her intent.
The warmth in his gaze told her he was on to her. “I couldn’t sleep and worked late last night. My eyes are strained and I have a slight headache.” He shrugged. “The glasses help. You remember?” he asked, obviously surprised.
She smiled. “I do.” She recalled a lot about him. But she was trying to give him space until he came around. “Did you already go for a run?” Another thing she recalled. He’d always taken a morning jog, and after seeing him with Bella the first day, she assumed he hadn’t changed his routine.
“Yeah. I was also up early and jogging clears my head.” He slid the spatula under the omelet, lifted it, and slipped it onto a plate before getting to work on another one he had already mixed and ready to go.
A few minutes later, she was sitting across from him, drinking a cup of coffee, and digging into a fabulous breakfast.
“How did you sleep?” he asked.
“Very well, actually. I was exhausted. And the bed in that room is very comfortable.”
“Good. I’d hate for you to be miserable here.” He winked, causing her stomach to flutter, and then he took a sip of his coffee.
She narrowed her gaze, noting she wasn’t wrong. He was much more chill and relaxed, and she couldn’t help but wonder what had changed between them, at least on his end. But it wasn’t like she could ask him, hey, so why don’t you hate me this morning? Where’s that barrier you’ve had up since I arrived?