Listen to No Air by Jordan Sparks and Chris Brown.

The warm air prickling my skin woke me up, something didn't feel right. I wasn't a morning person and so was my brain. I tried to get my foggy brain to make sense of the situation. My eyes took a short survey of my surroundings and last night's event replayed in my head. I could feel the warmth from behind me and the musky and aftershave smell engulfing me in a ripe scent that made me want to snuggle closer and go back to sleep.

A strong arm draped around my chest in a tight embrace, I tilted my head slowly to look behind me at Adrian who was still sound asleep. I tried to pull away gently, untangling our legs that have somehow hooked around each other. I heard Adrian groan and he drew me closer, his slight stubble tickled my cheeks. As cozy as this felt, I couldn't let myself enjoy it.

I felt something hard poke my butt, please tell me that was not a boner? I pulled away quickly, faster than the speed of light. My hurried movement woke Adrian up. I couldn't help but take a glance at his crotch where the obvious tent in his jogger pants laid.

His long eyelashes fluttered briefly before his stormy grey eyes met mine. I fought the urge to move closer and brush the hair falling to his forehead back.

"Morning," he said and stood up. Was the boner because of me? I knew almost every grown man woke up with morning wood. That was one of the interesting things I picked up in biology.

"Buy a teddy bear if you wanna cuddle next time," I said and stretched my legs. He chuckled softly and ran his fingers through his tousled hair.

"From what I can recall, you were the clingy one last night. You won't stop moving and by that I mean, wrapping your thighs around me and breathing in my neck. In fact, you slept on top of me for half of the morning before switching positions," he said with a cocky smile.

"Liar, my subconscious is smarter than that," I scoffed. I was a scattered sleeper, so a part of me believed him. I was the type to roll off a king-size bed like my body wanted to taste every nook and cranny of the bed before feeling at peace.

He took a glance at the time and a frown washed over his chiseled face.

"Don't worry I will clean up, go ahead and prepare for work," I told him as I moved my neck from side to side. It was my off day from work. The living room was a bit of a mess, the throw pillows were on the floor, and a few popcorn that fell from our bowl. The empty soda cans lay on the side tables, waiting to be tossed into the trash.

I couldn't remember how long we stayed up, I recall moving to the floor when I got tired of sitting on the couch. Adrian joined me on the floor because of the bowl of popcorn we were sharing. We argued between episodes because we each had our personal favorite character and wouldn't agree with the other's opinion, to sum it all up it was fun.

"You sure?"

"My Mami taught me some manners, Parker," I sighed and stood up. He smiled softly at me and headed for his room. I fought the smile on my lips as I picked up the throw pillows and arranged them neatly on the couch.

Adrian jogged down the stairs in a pair of grey basketball shorts that showed off his long and taut legs. I tried not to stare too much at his shirtless torso, but how could I when my teenage self was replaying those sexy clips from his swimming days when he stepped out of the pool with that beautiful smile? I felt the heat on my cheeks and down my body, can that part of me just die cause I feel like an idiot.

I looked elsewhere when he took a glance at me, he fixed his headphone and put his phone in his armband.

"Would you like to join me for a run?" he asked halting his movement for my answer.

"I will pass," I said and returned to cleaning. Even though I have been tossed out of my routine since I got here, I usually get up early, do some journal and bible reading then hit the gym.

I finished cleaning the living room to perfection and went upstairs. I went for a bath and slipped on a blue floral sundress, I held my hair back in a paisley scarf and walked to the tall glass wall, and gazed outside at the sun blessing the earth, more like punishing. I was about to walk off when I saw Adrian jogging back.

Walk away, remember what happened in New York my brain advised me but I stood there just watching how the sun kissed and made the sweat glisten his skin.

Anyone could tell he was an athlete, his swimming days did well to his drool-worthy physique. He was lean and toned with just the right amount of muscles. His dark hair stuck to his forehead from the sweat. How do you describe a hot guy without exaggerating? Because I was finding it hard to put in the right adjectives. I felt like I was reliving my teenage fantasies, but this time it was real. I didn't even realize I was pressing my face against the wall.

I docked when Adrian looked up like he knew I was staring at him.

"Shit!" I groaned. I waited until I heard the front door open before standing up. I heard his footsteps on the stairs and soon he was in his room.

I sighed at the memory of everything that happened in New York and left the room. I went down to the kitchen and looked around, not sure of what to do. Should I fix him breakfast? Why did that feel weird? But the least I could do for him was make him something to eat. He was letting me crash here till I got my shit together, breakfast won't make up for his generosity.

I searched the cabinet for any breakfast-worthy foodstuff but was greeted with a box of Cheerios, coffee, and other beverages. I opened the fridge and didn't find anything to make for breakfast, not even a crate of eggs. Leftover takeout, his protein shakes, mixed salad, yogurts, beer, and other soft drinks occupied the fridge.

"You have got to be kidding me," I mumbled.

"What's wrong?" I heard from beside me, I pulled away from the fridge almost having a heart attack.

"Jeez, don't sneak up at me like that Parker!" I yelled and he fought back a laugh.

I was too concerned about my heart that just woke up from the dead to notice he was already dressed for work. He looked so elegant and handsome like one of those tall sexy Tom Ford models in the dark suit he matched with his gold rings, his hair looked damp from the shower.

"I'm hungry," I settled for that instead of I wanted to make you breakfast before you leave.

"Shit, I'm sorry about my boring fridge. What would you like for breakfast? I can order it for you before I leave," he said, reaching for his phone.

"Don't bother, stop by the grocery store on your way back. I will make you a list, my mom will have my head if she knows I have not eaten a homecooked meal for two days," I said and looked around for a paper.

"Way to rub that on my face, Vixen," Adrian said and I shrugged.

"Text me the list, I'm running late," he said, taking a glance at his wristwatch. He stepped closer to where I was and I watched him in awe as he leaned closer and placed a kiss on my forehead.

My heart skipped, butterflies erupted in my stomach and my cheeks went pink. How could my body betray me like that?

"Try and have some fun, by the way, I love this dress," he flashed me a smile and walked away like a runway model. I looked down at the sundress with its thin straps that stopped above my knees. I watched him with a small smile, I slapped myself when I realized how red my cheeks were.

I picked up my phone and taught of calling Chloe to check up on her. I hesitated and went online to see if anyone had news about Kayden, many people were just aww-ing while others cursed his captor and sent their condolences.

I put my phone away and decided to take a tour around the house. The house was too big for one person, the façade of the building was beautiful. I looked through the large windows, staring at the water fountains on either side of the grande bronze pivot entry door.

I looked away from the window and took in the interior designs of the house. Adrian sure had style for everything, the white marble floor seamlessly spread across the room. The neutral-hued furnishings made it look cozy and stylish. A clean-lined modern take on design with an impressive foyer housing a vintage throw rug.

A large tv mounted on the white walls, a linear fireplace made with granite laid beneath with decorative shelves at either side. I ran my fingers through the unique texture of the oak wood on the stairway treads. The pendant lights hanging above caught my eyes, I held onto the stainless steel handrail on the glass railing stairs.

The gleaming wood floors in each room had a rich texture, each room melting into the beauty of the next with lush furnishings. I think I stayed longer in Adrian's room just admiring the magnificent view overlooking the beach a few distances from here. The natural scenery and sunlight were refreshing, I will love to wake up to this every morning.

The three-story-floor-to-ceiling glass walls were impressive, I took a walk outside and frowned at the unkempt garden. My mom was a garden person, and during all my time with her, I learned a thing or two about gardening.

Was it weird that he had no swimming pool? I mean look at the huge house and there was no pool in sight unless it was hidden. I went back inside the house, my mind drifted back to the only locked room in the house. I shouldn't be bothered about it, Adrian was not a serial killer hiding a body in a locked room. Was he?

I texted Adrian the list of what to get from the grocery store and also reminded him to get some gardening tools. I hope the asshole that wrecked my apartment didn't touch my clothes. I thought of calling Chloe again but opt-out.

I helped Adrian bring the groceries inside even if he told me to leave everything to him. I told him to go up for a shower and offered to arrange the groceries and cook dinner. I prepared some roast beef enchiladas and creamy potato pie.

I set everything on the dining table and cleaned up quickly before Adrian arrive in black sweatpants and a brown t-shirt.

"You're already done?" he asked looking between me and the food.

"Yes, is an easy recipe," I said and took a seat at the dining table.

"I wanted to help, I don't mind helping you to taste the food," he said and took the seat in front of me.

"These look yummy," he smiled at me, his eyes lingered on my face for a few more seconds like he was trying to memorize the shape of my head.

"What?" I asked already feeling insecure under his intense gaze.

"Nothing," he said with a weird smile. He picked up the fork and I watched as he took the first taste. I was worried he wasn't a fan of spices, I studied his expression which was a mixture of delight and surprise.

"Damn!" he looked at me. Was it the spices?

"This tastes like heaven," he said and I held back the smile pulling at my lips.

"As it should," I said and ate my own food.

"That was a compliment, Vixen. A thank you will suffice," he said and I shrugged.

"So what else are you good at?" he asked with his eyes fixated on me.

"Annoying people."

"Can't argue with that," he said.

"How come you don't have a pool?" I asked curiously, something flashed in his eyes. He looked away and ate his food, the atmosphere around us suddenly changed.

"Don't answer, I was just curious," I said and decided not to ask about the locked room.

"If you wanna take a swim, we can go over to my neighbor's place, he's rarely home."

"Are you suggesting we break in?" I asked with an amused grin.

"No, we are kinda neighbors with benefits," he said.

"I thought you are too humble for that," I said and he chuckled softly. The sound of his ringtone drew our attention, I caught Chloe's name on his phone screen with a picture of her laughing so hard that she looked ridiculous. I missed her but I was still angry.

"Hey, Chloe," Adrian replied.

I ate my food quietly and blocked out the sound of her voice.

"What? Are you hurt? Thank God. I will be there in five minutes," I stared at him as he stood up like his pants were on fire.

"Qúe?" I asked feeling alarmed.

"There was a shooting at Tristan's place," he told me.

"Is Chloe ok?" My heart dropped.

"Yes and she is with Kayden but Tristan and Morris were just taken into surgery," his words were fast and I tried to keep up.

"Are you coming?"

I didn't reply.

"She needs you by her side, Belvina," he said but I said nothing in return.

He sighed softly and went to get his car keys by the foyer.

"Don't stay up, I will be back late," he said and soon he was gone. I lost my appetite, I tried to ignore the pang of guilt in my chest.

***

I decided to go and see Chloe at the hospital. I gave her a call when I arrived and she directed me to the room, a big smile broke on her face when I walked in. I ignored her and walked to the bed where Kayden was having his beauty sleep. He was beyond adorable, those baby fats, make me want to grab him and eat him.

I turned to Chloe and spilled out my thoughts, how could she hide such an angel from me? I took Kayden away from Tristan as soon as he woke up. Adrian arrived and was surprised to see me there. We stayed over till the visitation hour was over.

We parted ways when we got outside. I entered my car and tried to start up the engine but it won't budge. I tried several times but ended up with the same result. I groaned and punched the wheel. I was still trying to save enough to fix my apartment and now I was having car trouble.

There was a knock on my car window, I looked outside at Adrian who signaled for me to roll down the window.

"Everything okay?" he asked and leaned on the windowpane.

"No, my car won't start," I felt like screaming.

"I will drive you back to my place and call someone to check it out," he said and opened the door for me.

"No, I mean yes for the ride but I will take care of the car myself," I said and picked up my stuff from the car.

We walked to his black Lamborghini, I stared at my car as we drove away from the hospital. I turned to look at Adrian, I expected him to be far gone.

"Were you waiting for me or something?" I asked.

"Yeah, I was waiting for you to leave first," he admitted.

The rest of the ride was quiet since all I could think about was the expenses of fixing my car.

"Belvina," Adrian called, I knew it was going to be a serious talk because he called me by my name.

"Yes?"

"I know we never really got to talk about what went down in New York, I know I messed up and I'm truly sorry. You have every right to hate me. That was an asshole move and I want you to know, I had fun and the plan was not to..." he kept talking while I closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep. I listened to him and said nothing.

"Great, she is sleeping," I heard him say and fought back the laughter trying to escape from my lips.

I opened my eyes when we arrived at his place. I stepped out and went upstairs, my stomach was still full from the takeout Adrian brought to the hospital. I went for a bath and relaxed on the bed only in my white underwear. Adrian should have gone to sleep by now and he was not the type to just barge into the room without asking.

I did some research on my current patient's health condition and decided to watch a cooking show on my laptop. It was past one in the morning when my stomach grumbled. I stood up and thought of slipping on a shirt but I declined and put on a ribbed top instead.

Chloe always complained about my habit of walking around the apartment only in my underwear, can you blame me? It was a refreshing thing to do and besides, I doubt Adrian was awake.

I walked into the dark kitchen, leaving the lights off. I opened the fridge and looked for what to eat, my nipples hardened at the cold from the refrigerator. I grabbed a chocolate cookie ice cream.

"Vixen?" I heard Adrian's voice.

The lights came on before I could tell him not to enter the kitchen.