“Killing time until you woke up. I’ve told Liam to put a hold on any contract for a while so we can spend some time together. Of course, I can’t turn down Pinelli’s work, but I won’t take any commissions for the next couple of weeks until you get that sling off.”
“Are you sure? I can take care of myself.”
“I know, but you don’t have to. Not while I’m here.”
I smiled. “It’ll give us a chance to get to know each other better. We’ve moved very fast, and I still don’t even know your real name.” And we wre about to move even faster.
“It’s not nearly fast enough, and you’ll have to guess if you want to know my real name.” He nuzzled the side of my neck, and I giggled as he found my tickle spot. “Hmm, you like that, don’t you?”
“It tickles.” I pushed his head away. “Is it Bob?”
“What?”
“Your real name? Is it Bob?”
“Nope.”
“Eric?”
“No.”
“You’re really going to make me guess?”
“Yes, think of the big mystery you’ll be solving when you get it right.”
“I’m giving up. For now.” I took a deep breath and observed him. “You remember when you asked me to move in with you permanently?”
“And you turned me down? Yeah, I remember.”
I rolled my eyes. “I didn’t turn you down. I just had to know you were sure about us.”
He gripped my thighs and lifted me. I went willingly and straddled his lap. “I’m sure about you, Kit.”
He cupped the back of my head as I moved forward at his urging and kissed him. He tasted of liquor and a hint of cigarette. Had he been smoking? He deepened the kiss, plunged his tongue into my mouth, and I moaned, placing a hand on his chest over his pounding heartbeat. It was amazing how he reacted to my nearness, how much he wanted me.
“Wait a minute.” He released my lips. “You were saying something about moving in with me?”
“Yes. My answer is yes. If you don’t mind the—”
“I don’t mind.”
I laughed. “You don’t even know what I was going to say.”
“It doesn’t matter what. It’s still yes.” He tipped my chin. “Are you hungry?”
“Are we talking about food?”
“Yes.”
“I was hoping for something else, but maybe food is a better option.”
He boosted me out of his lap. “Food first. Then if you want, you can dress up in one of your costumes, and we play a while.”
Warmth filled me, and my heart swelled inside my chest. “That sounds great.”
I trailed him into the kitchen and sat at the island while he dug through his refrigerator. Unlike the first time he’d brought me here, his shelves and fridge were stocked.
“Where’s Cinnamon?” I asked.