Latte Darling: Book Two of The Darling Series

Axel looms on the other side of the island as I work my way through the fridge, pulling out the ingredients I need for our breakfast.

“Tortillas?”

I glance over my shoulder, smiling, “You said you like everything.”

His head does a single slow nod as he lowers himself into one of the high stools. “I do.”

“Then you’ll just have to trust me.”

“After that sandwich last week, I’ll never turn down food from you.”

“That’s the spirit!” I grin, setting an armful of items on the counter.

I see his eyes skip over each package. Eggs, cream cheese, microgreens, pesto.

He points to the paper wrapped item. “What’s that?”

“Smoked salmon.”

Axel’s brows raise in an overly cute expression. “Well then…”

Taking that as a green light, I grab the dishes I need and settle into the process of cooking – occasionally sipping from my coffee cup.

With his attention fully focused on what I’m doing, Axel asks a few questions, and I realize how much I like having someone in the kitchen with me. Usually, I listen to a podcast or an audiobook while I cook, but having Axel here is nice. Really nice.

Axel gets up to top off our coffees while I dish up the food.

Feeling sentimental, I circle the island and take the plates to my small dining table.

Sitting directly across from him, I have the perfect view of Axel as he carefully picks up the egg wrap. His big tattooed hands hold it reverently as he hunches over his plate and takes the first bite.

His eyes start to close, then open wide. Then he looks down and shoves another huge bite in his mouth.

Belatedly I realize I should’ve made him an extra-large serving to fit his extra-large appetite.

As he leans down to take another bite, I take a moment to appreciate how freaking hot he is. I don’t know where his new shirt came from, but the bright white cotton stretched tight over his thick chest makes my mouth water.

This man… he’s too… everything.

Handsome. Smart. Kind. Huge.

He’s everything.

The way he reacted to the story about my parents took me so off guard. I didn’t mean to get so emotional. And once I started, I was mortified that I couldn’t stop. It feels like every time we’ve seen each other I’ve had some sort of mental breakdown. And that’s not how I wanted to start the day. But I should’ve known that Axel would understand.

But he didn’t just understand. He wrapped me in his arms, giving me a sort of comfort I didn’t even know existed.

Axel takes another bite, groaning, and suddenly my train of thought derails, right into the gutter.

I knew sex with Axel would be good. But holy shit it was better than good. It was better than great.

My thighs press together under the table.

The way he handled my body. The way he talked to me.

A shiver runs up my arms. I didn’t know dirty talk was my thing, but well, here we are.

Watching Axel put the last bite of his breakfast into his mouth, I cut my wrap in half.

Axel narrows his eyes at me while he licks off his fingers.

“What?” I laugh through the question.

“Where have you been all my life?” I snort but Axel shakes his head. “Nevermind, don’t answer that.”

With a smile I pick up half of my wrap and set it on Axel’s empty plate.

He looks back and forth between the two halves, “You haven’t even started?”

“I think you inhaled yours.”

His jaw works. “I should insist you eat it.”

“But you won’t,” I pick up my half and take a bite.

Axel shakes his head. “I won’t.” He shoves half of it into his mouth. “But I will take you out for lunch.”