Though that wasn’t entirely true. He knew how to please her in bed, knew how to get under her skin, knew how dedicated she was to her career, how driven and passionate she was. He may need to find out some of these other superficial things, too, but he did know her, despite what Mrs. C might think.

He placed the cash on the counter and reached for the takeout bag.

“One more piece of advice that’s not in the book?” she asked, stopping him.

“Will it cost me?”

“This one’s free.”

“In that case, hit me.”

“A one-night stand gets takeout. A friend you’re falling in love with gets a home-cooked meal,” she said with a wink.

Damn, she was right. “Enjoy,” he said, leaving the food on the counter and heading outside. “Change of plans, Diva. We’re headed to the grocery store.”

Twenty minutes later, he juggled the tray of coffee and the bags in his arms as he entered his apartment. “I hope you can wait a little longer for breakfast,” he said, seeing Erika sitting at the island in his kitchen. She was dressed already, which was a mild disappointment. He’d been hoping to eat, then climb back into bed with her.

“Um...actually, Reed, I’m going to have to pass on breakfast,” she said, standing and walking toward him.

He set the bags on the counter and handed her a coffee. “Why? Don’t trust my cooking?”

She smiled but something felt off. His gut twisted.

“Hey, everything okay?” he asked, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer.

She held back slightly, keeping her coffee cup between them. “Yes, everything’s fine. Just work, that’s all.”

She was definitely preoccupied. “Well, you’re more than welcome to use my laptop, and I’ll cook as quietly as I can. Let me feed you, at least.” This awkward tension hadn’t been there an hour ago.

Maybe he should have gotten the flowers anyway.

She shook her head. “I should get back to Cassie’s. I need to make some phone calls and this could take a while.”

Be cool. She said everything’s fine.

“Okay, no problem.”

She touched his cheek and some of the tension evaporated. “A rain check on breakfast?”

“My kitchen’s always open.” And his bedroom and unfortunately his heart.

She kissed him softly and he tightened his hold on her for just a second before releasing her. “I’ll see you later?”

“Yes.”

She grabbed her coat and slid her feet into her boots. “Come on, Diva,” she said, taking the dog’s leash and heading toward the door.

“Hey, Erika. What kind of flowers do you like?”

She frowned as she opened the door. “Flowers remind me of funerals.”

Dodged a bullet there.

Chapter Sixteen

CHAPTER SIXTEEN