Page 41 of Buckin' Around

Six twelve flicks over to six thirteen.I guess I’m up.

It’s going to take one hell of a hot shower to revive me this morning.

Coffee, I need all the damn coffee.

I pad from the room and into the hallway.

Squinting against the LEDs lighting the apartment up like fecking Christmas, I wander toward the smell of sustenance.

The rich aroma of coffee wafts over me and I let it draw me in like a moth to a flame.

I’m not even ashamed to say I’d literally sell my soul for a cup of my favorite life force right now.

“Coffee?” I ask Spencer’s back, clad with tight T-shirt over bulky muscles topping his grey sweatpants.

He turns around, lifting a mug to his lips. “Sorry, only made one.”

Of course he did.

Daggers leave my eyes as I round the counter and start the process of making my own.

“I’m away until Sunday night. Your key is on the entry table.”

“Um, thanks?”

“You have my cell?”

“Nope.”

“I left it on the message on the counter for you.”

“Yeah, well I don’t have it, Spencer.”

He stares at me for a beat before plucking up his phone. “What’s yours?”

“My what?”

He tilts his head. “Your number, Riley.”

I sigh. I know I need to give it to him, but it feels too easy handing it over.

I’d rather he work for it.

“Write out another sticky note. I’m sure it won’t get thrown away this time.” I slide my mug of steaming caffeine into both hands, hugging it tight before wandering back down the hallway.

I’m inside my room when the details of the conversation sink in. He’s going away for the entire weekend. Without discussing it.

Logically, I know that he pays me to take care of Ivy.

But for him to leave for days at a time?

I never should have agreed to that part of the deal. For Ivy’s sake.

“Good riddance, Spencer. Take your time coming back. Ives and I are going to have a fine time without you.”

A grunt sounds outside my open door.

Cringing, I hang my head, eyes closed as coffee-scented steam fills my senses.