Beautiful Rose (Beautiful Rose 1)

“Hey, you.” I smiled. “Hungry?”

He stood up and yawned, nodding his head as he stretched out his arms. “Starving,” he admitted. “Mugs?” he asked as he walked into the kitchen. I pointed to the top cupboard.

“Smells delicious.”

“Thanks.” I began piling two plates with bacon and eggs, and placed the toast on another plate.

We carried everything over to the dining table and sat down. The room was silent as we began to eat. Not an awkward silence, where you feel like you need to fill it—almost like a contented silence.

“Thanks for staying over. You didn't have to do that,” I said, covering my mouth.

He shrugged. “It was nothing. Besides,” he added, chuckling, “you looked so sweet, asleep and snoring away, that I couldn't possibly have woken you.”

“I do not snore,” I retorted, blushing. Honestly, I had no idea whether I did or not.

He laughed, and piled another forkful of eggs into his mouth.

“Well, maybe I do, but at least I don't drool,” I grumbled.

His eyebrows shot up. “Hey, that was low!” he complained, wiping the corners of his mouth.

“What?” I shrugged. “It was cute. Reminded me of a little puppy.” I laughed.

He rolled his eyes, pretending to be annoyed. I was glad the tension that had been there between us the previous night had all but vanished. Things were back to the way they were before.

“So, what are your plans for today?” he asked me. I shrugged, pretending not to notice the way his tongue ran over his lip after he'd eaten. He reminded me so much of Jack that it wasn't funny. They may not have thought they were alike, but they sure as hell were.

“I don't know. I might go for a walk. And I guess I better call Jack and see if I still have a job.”

“Why wouldn't you?” he asked, confused.

“Well, because I just walked out last night. And he seemed pretty pissed.” I hesitated. “And I'm not even sure I want the damn job anymore,” I added softly.

“Rose!” he exploded.

I winced. Just the reaction I'd been expecting.

“You still have a job, and you’re going, okay?” I nodded, my eyes wide.

Damn, Alex was intimidating when he went all authoritative on my ass.

“Just go in as you normally would. I'll handle my brother.” I nodded again, wondering what “handling his brother” would entail.

Now, my version of handling Jack . . . I blushed. Why had I gone there?

After we finished breakfast and cleaned up, an act Alex had insisted on helping me with, he left, and I went upstairs to visit Darcy. Eventually she opened the door wearing her underwear and a tank top still looking half-asleep.

“Rose? What the hell? It's like . . .” Her voice trailed off as she glanced around, trying to find the time.

“Eleven in the morning?” I supplied.

She frowned at me.

“Yeah, well that might as well be six in the morning to me.” She waved me inside. “Coffee. I need coffee,” she muttered, heading for the kitchen.

I followed her, my eyes on her ass. If I looked as good as her half-naked, I'd walk around in my underwear too.

“Everything all right?” she asked, suddenly.