I pushed away from the wall to give her space, so I could find the breath in my lungs the woman stole by simply being around me. “I’d like that.” I nodded, emotion catching in my voice. “I’d like that a lot.”

21. Constantine

Chapter 21

Constantine

“Please say that’s for me.” Juliette rounded the breakfast bar, her eyes fixed on the latte I was making her. “Since it appears you’re steaming milk, and you don’t drink it, I’m going with a yes.”

“You guessed correctly.” I finished making her drink and handed her the mug—one I’d had since I’d been in the Navy. Bianca sent it to me while I was overseas. She’d bought it because of the chip in the handle, and she was worried it’d never find a home because it was imperfect.

I never drank from it after she died, nor had I let anyone else touch it. I’d guarded it like a national treasure, the same way I did with her note in my wallet.

But the moment I opened the cabinet and saw it sitting there, all I found myself wanting to do was see it in Juliette’s hands.

“‘The only way to do great work is to love what you do.’” Juliette read the words wrapped around the dark green cup and smiled. “That’s how I feel about being a nurse.” She took a sip, and I watched and waited for what I hoped would happen.

She closed her eyes and moaned.

And there it is.

“A pump of hazelnut?” She licked the froth clinging to her bottom lip while opening her eyes.

I may have made it extra foamy for that exact reason. So shoot me. I liked this woman’s mouth a hell of a lot, right along with every other part of her.

“There is,” I finally answered. “I took a chance you’d like it.”

“More than like it.” She rested her back to the counter, crossing one ankle over the other while quietly observing me as I cleaned up.

Everything back in its spot, I settled into a similar position, doing my best not to anxiously skip to asking for the photo album session she’d promised before heading upstairs.

“How’d it go with Colin?”

“He told me the bare minimum about Lennon. I was lucky to get even that, but he promises he’s not . . . you know, active like that with her. Should I believe him?”

“I don’t know,” was all I could give her, not wanting to stress her out even more. I found myself constantly wanting to do anything and everything to protect this woman on every level. Physically and mentally.

“How old were you when you lost it?”

Talking about sex was only going to remind me of how much I wanted to have it with her.