Page 70 of Latte Darling

She bites her lip. “Sometimes I forget.”

“How often?”

“What?” She blinks at me with those pretty green eyes, but I won’t be deterred.

“How often are you forgetting to plug in your phone?” Then I hold up a hand, “Never mind. Your phone should last the night even if you forget.”

“I know,” she sighs. “I’ve been due for an upgrade. I just hate going to the dumb phone store.”

I hum, my plans for the day solidifying. “Let’s go.”

Her mouth pops open, “Go where?”

“The dumb phone store. By the time we’re done it’ll be time for that lunch I owe you.” I pause, “Unless you’re still hungry. We can stop and grab some more breakfast on the way.”

“Some more breakfast,” she repeats the words back slowly.

My shrug has her snickering.

I hold a hand out, gesturing down the hall. “Let’s go.”

“Axel, I can’t just leave. I need to get ready.”

“Ready?” I look her over. “Ready for what? You look good.”

“I look good,” she repeats again. Her tone is bland but there’s a hint of a smile on her face.

“Good. Sexy. Perfect.” My nostrils flare as I do another once over. “Actually, you’re right. Go change. Into something… thicker.”

“Thicker?” This time her laugh is loud. “What the hell does that mean?”

I close the distance between us and in a flash, I’ve plucked her nipple between my fingertips.

She yelps and tries to jump back but my other hand grips the back of her neck, holding her in place.

“Thicker.” I roll my fingers, eliciting a groan. “More clothing. Something that keeps these little pearls for my eyes only.”

“Axel,” Maddie pants my name and I palm her breast. “You’re being ridiculous.”

I bring my lips down until they’re brushing against hers. “Probably.”

She tries to smile but it falters as she arches into my touch. “Two things.”

Distracted, I slide my hand over to her other breast. “Two things.” It’s my turn to repeat words.

“One, you don’t need to take me to the phone store.”

I shake my head, “Non-negotiable.”

Her puff of breath brushes over my lips.

“Two?” I prompt.

“Two, when I said that I needed to get ready, I meant I need to shower. Do my hair, makeup. Ya know? Get ready.”

“Oh. Right.” Reluctantly, I release my hold of her and step back. “In that case, carry on.”

Maddie grins up at me, “Want me to turn the tv on for you?”