Page 96 of Player For Hire

The three miles back to The Heights was a slog, but I stopped in at a bakery and picked up breakfast sandwiches to bring back with me.

Murray, our doorman, was chatting with Amberly as I slowed to a walk near my building. I snuck by since he was deep into the discussion about some sort of renovation. I wasn’t sure what that was, but I didn’t want to get into it with them.

I just waved as I slipped inside and headed for the elevators. When I got into my apartment, Naomi was still in my bed.

I sat next to her and waved the bag near her. Those big summer blue eyes fluttered open.

She gave me a sleepy smile and sat up with the sheet tucked around her breasts. “You’re up early.”

“Yeah, I went for a run. Got breakfast though.” I leaned in and gave her a quick kiss.

“I do love breakfast.” She unrolled the white deli paper. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah. Just needed to get the last of the whiskey out of my system.”

She wrinkled her nose. “You sure did.”

I laughed. “Yeah, I definitely need a shower. I figured you might need some help getting party fixings. I’m at your disposal until later today.”

“Yeah?”

I nodded. “Whatever you need.”

The sheet dipped and so did my gaze.

“Shower first, buddy.”

I laughed. “Right. Stay right there.”

She finished her breakfast sandwich and crinkled the wrapper. “Nope. Now that you offered to help me with shopping, I’m going to go get ready.”

“Wait. I didn’t say shopping.”

“You said whatever.” She grabbed her shorts. “Where is my shirt?”

“I’m not saying.”

She narrowed her eyes at me.

“Fine. Behind you on the headboard.”

She snatched it of the corner of the gray leather. “How did it get there?”

“You tried to put it back on last night and I tossed it out of the way. I like you naked better.”

She rolled her eyes. “You try having boobs. Sleeping naked isn’t always comfortable.”

“I’ll just have to hold onto them for you.”

“Go!” She pushed me off the bed, but she was laughing.

Right now, everything was right in my world.

CHAPTER 27

NAOMI

Wednesday, aka party day, was warm and clear. It was after seven and the sun was lower in the sky and a lovely breeze kept the bugs to a minimum.