Strings (1 of 2)

[Emily's POV]

I can't help but admire Nathan's toned stomach on display as he makes our eggs shirtless in his kitchen. His gray sweatpants hang loosely around his hips showing off the defined V below his waist. The black wolf over his heart and birds flying near his belly button catch my attention.

I want to ask him about his tattoos but I don't want to pry. It is a fine line with him what to ask and what not to... we are having a nice morning. I don't want to ruin it.

"Can I help?" I ask instead and his mouth twitches into a small smile, still looking at the eggs as he stirs.

"You can stir," he says and I get up from the stool and walk around the counter to meet him at the stove. I felt his shirt ride up when I sat down earlier so I pull it down as I walk so it covers me.

He moves slightly out of the way, leaning back against the counter beside it to let me pass and stand in front of the stove. I grab the handle and start stirring slowly. I have no clue how to cook this - or anything - but I think this is how I saw Anna do it.

I feel the heat radiating from Nathan's body on my back as he steps forward to close the space between us. I pretend to ignore his fingers lightly grazing up my thigh as his other hand covers mine around the wooden spoon and guides my stirring.

I lean back slightly against him and he rests his chin on the top of my head. His left hand tugs up the hem of his shirt on me to slip his hand onto my hip underneath. My breathing and heartrate quicken as I try to think of anything besides his hands on me.

"These are ready," he breathes into my hair, breaking me from my thoughts. The undertone of amusement in his voice tells me he knows the effect he has on me and he likes it.

I like it too. I just won't admit it.

He steps back to let me pass by to walk back to the stool and he follows with the eggs and sits beside me. He carefully serves some on each of our plates and then takes a sip of his water.

"What are your plans for today?" He asks, raising his eyebrows as he bites into his toast and looks at me.

His stubble is growing back in now after his shave a few days ago, making him look more like himself - or at least the Nathan that I am used to. His curly hair is tucked behind his ears, almost long enough now to tie back. I think he will cut it before then, though. I remember him mentioning a hair cut.

He looks so relaxed in the mornings, especially when we wake up here instead of at my house. He is more talkative and playful too. This is definitely my favourite version of him.

"I was going to do some writing and see Anna, I think," I reply and then dig into my food.

"Anna?"

"Our housekeeper. But more like an aunt to me now, I guess." I explain.

"Oh ya, I remember you mentioning her now." He nods and chews his food. "Does she work everyday?"

"Usually weekdays only. Now that I'm working during most of those days, I barely see her." I reply sadly, feeling guilty. I wish I could spend more time with her before I move. We used to be together every day.

"I'm sure she understands," he says as if he can read my thoughts.

"Maybe I'll sneak her out of the house to get lunch later. I don't work today." I smile, content with my new plan.

"Are there other people working there or just her?"

"Just her unless we have an event. My parents don't trust too many people to be in our house, especially lately." I reply and bite into my toast.