Page 51 of Scars of Silk

It’s whispered and on the verge of sleep when it comes and I wrap my arms tighter, holding on for dear life. “Good.”

And that’s all I need to hear.

It’s the vision of her long bare legs that greets me as I come through the front door swinging a bag of shopping.

“Now that’s a great sight for first thing in the morning.” She has one of my t-shirts on which comes to a stop just at the top of her thighs.

Her eyes are on me, skimming over me fast and I run an embarrassed hand through my hair. The bruises are fading now and without them I feel strangely exposed. “What?" I ask.

Her lips curve at the corners and she steps up and brushes a kiss across my lips, her breasts pushing into my chest. "Just admiring my own view.”

“Like what you see?” I start to laugh, although it quickly fades as she gazes intently at every inch of my skin she can see. I’m kind of glad I made the effort and went with the jeans instead of my usual tracksuit get up.

“One hundred percent, yes.” Her attention darts to the bag. “You let me sleep?”

“You looked peaceful, and I woke early. I’ve already been for a run along the river and back for a shower.”

“Wow, I’m not normally this lazy.” She brushes at her fringe, which I think along with the lip nibbling is possibly the most endearing thing she does.

“It’s okay. You had a busy day yesterday, walking around interviewing people.”

That same little flicker lights in her eyes like it did last night, but I don’t push it and ask what secret she’s keeping. That’s not my business.

“Can I grab a shower?”

“You don’t have to ask.” I motion to the stairs and she walks in their direction. Those legs are so damn fine.

“Is this weird?” She spins and lift her hands to the side. “I mean we don’t know each other, but I seem to be staying here. I don’t want to make things awkward.”

“Did you know me last night?” I meet her gaze directly and her cheeks warm.

“Yes.”

“Well, let's not discuss it again. It’s nice to have someone else in the house with me.”

She turns and investigates my change of furniture. “I see you were busy yesterday.”

“Yep. I fancied a change.”

She turns back to me and smiles, and then I smile. Really, there is just way too much smiling going on. Where’s the Dan with the edge? The one who never let women in? “Change is good.”

I eye her legs and lick my lips. “Yes, it is. Now are you going for a shower? Because right now I can envision all my plans for the day going south.” My focus is on the hem of her t-shirt, so she knows exactly what I mean by south.

“Plans?”

I nod slowly. Yep. I made plans. First time in months.

“I’ll go shower.”

I groan as she turns, the edge of the shirt lifting to reveal she’s totally naked underneath.

“I’ll make coffee,” I mumble as I walk myself and my hard-on into the kitchen. “Yep, I’ll make coffee.”

I take out two of the travel mugs from the cupboard. Mine and Dad's, the ones we used to make before we went to work in the morning. There’s a kettle and stuff at the shop, but as every day starts with a sterile wipe down, despite doing it the close of day the night before; it’s easier just to rock up with the caffeine already in hand.

There’s a third cup in the cupboard which I simply just pick up and drop into the bin. She won’t be needing that one anymore.

“So, what’s the plan?” I jump at the sound of Sienna’s voice at the door. If she saw me throwing away a perfectly good, and honest to God, expensive travel mug she says nothing. She’s wrapped in a towel, her hair dripping down her shoulder. Holy crap.