Page 34 of Stone Temptation

I closed the door. “See you picked up a stalker.”

Tom shrugged. “What’s new?” He set the paper bag and coffees down on my pine dining table, then dragged me into one of his crushing hugs. “I was so worried about you.”

I closed my eyes for a second, losing myself in his comforting embracing. “I’m fine.”

He pulled back, patting me on the head.

I glowered at him, stepping back. “I’m not a kitten.”

“Sometimes you are. Anyway, tuck into this. Bacon and egg muffins with hash browns, and caramel lattes.”

What an awesome combination. “Thanks. How much do I owe you?”

“Puh-lease. Don’t even try it.”

“Next one’s on me.”

“Deal. Let’s eat.”

We ate as we discussed an upcoming Thai Boys’ Love series we were hyped about. Mario Kart and BL series were the perfect balance of entertainment.

Tom finished chewing. “What happened between you and Seth?”

Did we have to do this? “Such a sunny day.”

“Such a shite deflection.”

“You had muffins without me?”

Tom shrieked.

I yelled, “Pickles!” and sent my coffee cup flying. The plastic lid popped off, spraying brown liquid over my clean wooden floors.

At least it wasn’t over my face.

Maren swam up to the table. “Are there any left?”

“Good morning to you, too,” I retorted, my heart erratic. “No. There’s no damn muffin left.”

Tom laughed. “Nice jump scare.”

Maren bowed. “Not my intention, but I will take the praise. Is there any food?”

“No!” I barked.

The mermaid curled her tail into a sitting position on the free chair. “How about some fish paste on toast?”

I folded my arms, super bitter over my floors. “Those floors were gleaming, I’ll have you know.”

She looked in the direction of the spillage. “Do not kid yourself.”

Tom laughed. “Savage.”

“How about you both buzz off?”

“No pouting, please,” Maren countered. “I shall clean this mess if you make me fish paste on toast as a reward.”

“For cleaning up?”