I want her for many things. Peace, purpose, distraction, and because I’m absolutely infatuated with her. Her body is just a bonus. “I want you for a lot more than your body, lady.” Let’s make that clear. I’m about to reinforce that with a smoldering kiss, but there’s a knock at the door, and she’s off my lap quickly.

“Come in,” I order grumpily, and Pete wanders in with our breakfast. All I can think is . . . how can she sit on me while eating it? “Thanks, Pete.”

“Sir.” He leaves, and I pull the dome off the plate, pushing the tray toward her. “Eat your eggs, baby.” And be quick about it.

And she is. I’ve never seen a woman tuck food away so fast, and it makes me wonder if she’s eaten in the past week. I don’t like that thought. Did she lose her appetite? Was she as lovesick as me?

I cough my throat clear, and she looks up, her next forkful hovering in midair. I drop my mouth open, remaining relaxed back on the couch. Eggs Benedict is her favorite. Will she share? I couldn’t possibly challenge her if she refuses me. She’s my favorite, and I wouldn’t dream of sharing her.

She smiles and inches closer, diverting the fork to my mouth, and I keep hold of her eyes as I seal my lips around the egg and she slowly pulls the fork out. And just like that, I want her again. What am I talking about? I want her every second of every day.

She takes her last mouthful and I reach over, pulling her to my side and getting her under my body.

“I want to devour you.” And I can see from the glistening of her eyes that she’s so up for that. “But I have to fucking work.” Or get to writing a list. Plus, the sooner she’s done what she needs to do in the extension to move the project forward, I can get her home. I might not let her leave, either. It’s Monday tomorrow. A workday. Can she work from home? My home? I’d promise to leave her alone so she could.

It’s a promise I’d never be able to keep.

I kiss her and rip myself away, going to my desk and collecting a pad and a pencil and holding them out to her.

“I’ll head up to the extension.” She gets up and accepts, and my sulky bones just can’t bear to see her go. So I make a play for her, grabbing her waist, and she laughs, trying to wrestle free.

“Kiss me,” I order.

“I just did.”