Free Bidding Wars (Love Strikes) by Lacey Wolfe Page B

the night—just until she was sleep. But as he listened to her breath, he relaxed and decided a short nap would be OK before he sneaked off.
     

Chapter Ten
     
     
    Molly was trying to be as quiet as possible in the kitchen as she prepared breakfast. She hadn’t expected to wake up and find Luke still in her bed. She thought he would’ve left at some point during the night, but instead he was lying above her covers, sound asleep with a sexy five o’clock shadow on his face.
    Molly removed the crispy bacon from the pan and added a few more strips, hearing that popping sound as it cooked. She had the eggs ready to pour once the bacon was done. Taking a moment to breathe, she gulped down her coffee then went back to the task at hand. Cooking a big breakfast was one of those meals you had to stay on top of or something would end up burnt.
    She peeked into to the oven. The homemade buttermilk biscuits were almost done. Maybe another two minutes and they’d be perfect. It had been a long time since she’d prepared a breakfast for someone other than herself. And all she usually made herself was toast with microwavable sausage. She wanted this to be delicious and just right and then send her uninvited guest on his way so he didn’t get the wrong idea. Or better yet, so she didn’t get the wrong idea.
    She took the bacon from the pan and laid it with the rest. She stole a bite from one that had already cooled. Moaning aloud, she basked in the salty flavor.
    “Good morning.” A deep male voice startled her.
    She spun around. God, mornings were good to Luke. On top of that sexy stubble, his hair was slightly messy, his clothes wrinkled, and all put together made the hottest man she’d ever seen. Everyone needed to wake up looking as good as he did. She had made a dash to the restroom when she woke to brush her teeth, fix her hair, and make sure she didn’t have raccoon eyes from her mascara she didn’t wash off before bed.
    “It smells amazing. It’s been a long time since I’ve had breakfast that didn’t come from a cardboard box.”
    “I hope it lives up to your standards then.”
    “I’m sure it will taste great. Can I help?” He moved a little closer to her.
    “Uh, I got it. I just need to…shit! The biscuits.” She spun around and pulled the oven door open. They weren’t burnt yet, but were close. Grabbing a pot holder, she then pulled the tray out and laid it on the stove across two empty burners. She let out a frustrated sigh and then got back to cooking.
    “I’ll get out of your way. Is it OK if I get a cup of coffee?”
    “Yeah, help yourself.” She pointed toward the coffee maker. “This is almost done.”
    Molly did her best to concentrate on breakfast and not the hunky man. He moved with ease through her tiny kitchen as he found a mug, poured his coffee, and then leaned against the counter for his first sip. Without having to look at him, she knew he was watching her.
    Heat rose through her body and her cheeks warmed. Why was she so antsy around him? Oh yeah, she’d spent the night with him. Nothing had happened though, but it sure as hell felt as though something had.
    She just needed to feed him and get him out of there.
    That was the plan. Luke was incredibly charming; she could easily fall hard and fast for him. She wasn’t ready…however, the mouthwatering Luke was making her feel more and more as though she was.
    Finally, breakfast was done and she’d prepared both plates. “Grab a plate and join me in the living room. I don’t have a dining room table. It didn’t seem like something I needed, with it just me here.” Why had she said that? She’d opened up conversation now to be about her.
    He didn’t comment as he followed her and took a seat on the couch beside her.
    “This is really good.” He took another bite.
    “Thanks. I love cooking.”
    “Do you cook much?”
    “I’d like to, but I don’t get many opportunities. It’s kinda silly to create big meals for one