Chapter 189

She was so embarrassed she wished the ground would just swallow her up. Her voice wavered, "A-Are you okay?" The man let out a low chuckle, his breath warm against her ear. "If you wiggle around a bit more, I might not be." Calliope instantly froze, not daring to move a muscle. Through the thin fabric between them, she could feel the rhythmic thump of his heartbeat, deep and steady. A few seconds later, Conrad let her go and shifted upright. "Come on, let's grab some breakfast. I'll drive you to work after." And just like that, Calliope practically bolted. She didn't fully register the cool sweat on her palms until the bathroom door locked behind her with a soft click. By the time she came out, the savory scent of eggs and bacon filled the air, hitting her senses like a memory. Bathed in morning light, the man stood at the stove flipping a slice of toast. The apron strings were tied loosely around his lean waist, forming a crooked little bow. Calliope stared at his tall, straight back.