Chapter 1: A Spicy Thank You
The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains of Lila’s apartment, casting a golden haze over the living room where I’d crashed on her sofa. My neck ached from the awkward angle, but I couldn’t complain. Last night, I’d played the knight in shining armor, dragging her half-conscious, party-drunk self back here and nursing her through the worst of it—puke and all. Now, as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, the scent of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee wafted from the kitchen. A thank you, I guessed.
Lila appeared in the doorway, looking far too good for someone who’d spent half the night worshipping the porcelain god. Her dark hair was tousled, falling over one shoulder, and she wore a loose tank top that clung to her curves in all the right places, paired with tiny shorts that barely covered her toned thighs. She leaned against the frame, a smirk playing on her lips as she held a spatula like a weapon.
“Morning, hero,” she drawled, her voice low and teasing. “Didn’t think you’d stick around after seeing me at my worst.”
I sat up, stretching with a groan, and shot her a grin. “What can I say? I’m a glutton for punishment. Plus, I wasn’t about to leave you to choke on your own bad decisions.”
She laughed, sharp and bright, and sauntered back into the kitchen. “Well, consider breakfast my apology. Bacon, eggs, and coffee—black, right? Or are you one of those weirdos who drowns it in sugar?”
“Black as my soul,” I quipped, following her. The small kitchen was warm, the air thick with the smell of grease and something sweeter—her, maybe. She moved with confidence, flipping bacon with a flick of her wrist, her hips swaying just enough to draw my eye. I leaned against the counter, crossing my arms. “You’re looking suspiciously chipper for someone who tried to outdrink a frat house last night.”
Lila glanced over her shoulder, her green eyes glinting with mischief. “I bounce back fast. Besides, I’ve got a reputation to uphold. Can’t let a little hangover ruin my game.” She turned, stepping closer to hand me a mug of coffee, her fingers brushing mine. The touch lingered, electric. “And you? You’re still here, playing babysitter. What’s your angle, stranger?”
I took a sip, the bitter heat grounding me as I met her gaze. “No angle. Just didn’t want to explain to mutual friends why I left you passed out in a puddle of your own regret.”
She snorted, stepping even closer, her body heat radiating against mine. “Oh, please. You’re not fooling me. I saw the way you looked at me last night—even when I was a mess. You’ve got that ‘I’m a nice guy but I’m thinking dirty thoughts’ vibe.”
I raised an eyebrow, unfazed. “And you’ve got that ‘I’m trouble and I know it’ vibe. Guess we’re even.”
Her smirk widened into a full-blown grin, predatory and hot. She set the spatula down, her hand brushing my arm as she leaned in, her voice dropping to a husky whisper. “Even? Nah. I owe you. And I always pay my debts.”
My pulse kicked up a notch, the air between us crackling. “Is that so? What kind of payment are we talking here? Extra bacon?”
Lila’s laugh was low, dangerous. “Oh, I’ve got something much better than bacon in mind.” She pressed closer, her chest brushing mine, her lips hovering just inches away. I could feel the heat of her, the challenge in her eyes. My hands itched to grab her, to pull her in, but I held back, letting her lead. She wasn’t the type to be tamed, and damn if that didn’t make me want her more.
“Careful,” I warned, my voice rough. “You’re playing with fire, and I’m not exactly known for backing down.”
“Good,” she purred, her hand sliding up my chest, fingers curling into my shirt. “I like it hot.”
And just like that, the space between us vanished. Her lips crashed into mine, fierce and demanding, tasting of coffee and raw hunger. My hands found her waist, pulling her tight against me as she pushed back with equal force, her nails digging into my shoulders. The counter dug into my back as she pressed forward, her body a live wire of want, and I knew breakfast was about to be the last thing on either of our minds.
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