Toasty (Cozy 2)

I knew from the garage it wasn’t his penthouse, but this is not what I pictured the inside of his home to look like. His office was cold and nothing but blacks and grays. Everything in it had a purpose or it was gone. When I first started working for him I had to stop by his place in the city and it was the same as his office. It had been a long time since I was requested to go there to grab things or stop by because I needed something signed immediately. My sister thought I was a workaholic but I have nothing on Kace. He was there before I got in and still there after I left. I tried to outlast him but it was pointless. I think he made sure he was always the first in and the last out.

This place is decorated so beautifully and somehow it feels familiar. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen most of these things before but not all together. I want to see more and go exploring. If this is only the bedroom, the rest of the place is going to be spectacular.

I throw my legs over the side of the bed but stop when I see my wrist is tied to something. “What the hell?” I pull on the soft material and it looks like a tie.

“You’re only making the knot worse.” I look up as Kace comes walking out of the bathroom in only a pair of loose sweatpants with my phone in his hand.

“Give me that.” When did he get my phone?

“Do you want your phone or your freedom?” He smirks and his eyes dance with mischief.

I scrunch my face. This is weird. I have no idea what’s going on and he’s acting so different. I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit to enjoying it. Getting to spar with him is so much better now that he isn’t my boss.

“Are you teasing me?”

Kace doesn’t tease or joke.

“I do enjoy when your kitten claws come out. You should see my back.” My mouth falls open. Did I do something to his back or is he teasing me again?

“You tease and dirty talk now? I think there’s something wrong with you.” I pull on my wrist. This isn’t the Kace I know. “Is this your place or is it rented?” I fire off questions one after another.

“Place is mine.” He pulls at the knot and my wrist is free. He stops and kisses it and I think about telling him it doesn’t hurt, but this gentle sweet side does things to me. Would he be the kind of father who kisses our kids’ boo-boos to make them feel better? Kid, I mentally correct. There’s only the one unless it’s twins. Oh shit, I’m not ready to go there.

“It won’t stop ringing and I didn’t want it to wake you up.” He hands me my phone. “I told Steve to fuck off and your sister that you’re okay.”

“Who’s Steve?” I search my mind.

“Doesn’t matter because he’s fucking off.” He shrugs.

I’m guessing one of the vendors from last night. “Don’t tell people who call my phone to fuck off. In fact, don’t answer my phone, that’s what voicemail is for,” I hiss at him.

“I see a man’s name pop up on your phone, I’ll answer it.”

I glare at him and he smiles. He freaking smiles. Kace Cox is smiling and I’m going to murder him. Later. That mouth of his is going to get him through another day if it can give me a repeat of last night.

“Whatever,” I mumble.

“Your sister called six times. I had to answer.”

“Is everything okay?” I click my phone and see I have missed texts from her asking if I’m okay.

“She’s worried.” Kace steps closer to me, brushing my hair off my shoulder, reminding me that I’m naked in his bed. “More worried than I think she should be.” His eyes search my face and I lick my suddenly dry lips.

Kace never had marriage material written across him. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him around a kid before. I have no idea how he’s going to handle the news of me being pregnant with his baby.

“I’m fine, she just worries. It’s a sister thing.” I try to brush it off so he doesn’t push.

“You never told me you had a sister.” He actually looks hurt as he says it.

“Can I get dressed?” I stand up and take a sheet with me to partially cover myself.

Kace being Kace pulls it from me and tosses it back onto the bed. I put my hands on my hip, standing there naked, and raise my chin in challenge.

“I rather enjoy that you don’t bite your tongue anymore, that my kitten’s claws have come out.” His comment should make me mad but I’m starting to see he’s been pushing me all this time. I let out a small laugh.