MAN OF THE YEAR.

"A sinner is just a saint with too much money in his pocket." MAVERICK STONE THIRTY-FIVE SECRETARY OF THE DIXIE MAFIA OWNER OF INFERNO NIGHTCLUB

[cjohnscn]

calliope-grace‌:

“You ever just think that your life needs a major overhaul? Or that you need to just run away from everything?” Callie said. She was mainly talking to the bartender in front of her, but she honestly didn’t care who heard her. The news had just dropped of who died in the flood and she knew that it was murder for at least one of them. The girl didn’t know what was worse, the fact that she knew who died or the fact that she probably knew who killed them. Taking the last swig from her drink, she looked over at the bartender and shook the glass. “I think I need another.” 

The news hit and it was like watching a ripple effect as it slowly but surely made its way to the citizens of Atlanta. Fear and uncertainty lingered over the city like a dark cloud. Most people would cower from it but then there’s Calvin who reveled in all of the chaos that was brewing in the city, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. “Now why the fuck would I wanna do that?” He asked, sliding down a couple bills to cover Callie’s second drink and his first. After placing his order, he faces the brunette and waits a beat before speaking once again. “Oh, is this you goin’ through some pity party?”

[mancandykings]

[cjohnscn]

dixiepresident‌:

Get back to work, get focused. What a fucking set back this mess was, Richard assumed. The helicopter was to land soon—he wouldn’t be found struggling along in some fucking boat, he’d travel in style. Especially after the horrid mess he left, personally. A secret, that which would remain as such. A small glint in his eye, as he spun, pivoting on his heel and headed towards the elevator. Someone facing away from him blocking his path, and he rolled his eyes. “Get out of my way—“ He snapped.

Well, this certainly was a shit show. As much as he enjoyed seeing chaos play out before his eyes, even this was too much for him. Too close to home and pretending like he gave a fuck about anyone but himself was more taxing than he thought it would be. Shifting through the crowd of people, he spotted Richard who, like him, was probably trying to get out of here as quickly as possible. With a sigh, he not so gently moves some people out of his way to get to Richard, cutting him. “Fine...” He said before stepping out of the way. “...but, there’s a crowd of journalists downstairs who’ll surely swarm you if you go this way. Not sure if Richard Johnson abandons his hotel filled with homeless civilians is the type of press you want.” Arms folding across his chest, he nodded in the opposite direction. “Take the stairs, we can get out of here through the back entrance and no one will notice us.”

[cjohnscn]

guineverebianchi‌

It felt like an admission, and the longer she stared at him, the unsettled state she cast, as she finally looked away, down at the champagne flute, the empty glasses. The frown was apparent on her lips. For months she’d been waiting for this, him to say he wanted her, in his own way as he had. Jaw clenched.

“Have you ever even had a girlfriend? Something even close to one?” She broke her own silence, arms crossed as she sat back. A thousand questions ran through her mind, all of them more pressing than the last. Hesitation begun to creep up into her stance, her voice, her look. The very thing she wanted before her—and she was stalling. Perhaps wanting what she couldn’t have, and the fearful realization of it being offered to her willingly was a pill that was hard to swallow.

“I didn’t like seeing you with those girls, and every other girl who falls at your feet like you’re some Greek god and I’m made to feel like I’m nothing.” She exposed her truth, the echo of being exposed reflected in her fearful stare. Looking anywhere but him seemed wise, as she turned her attention to the empty plate before her, fidgeting with it. “You have this habit of making me feel completely inferior, and I think you thrive on it.”

Breath fell short. Don’t look him in the eye and you can keep going. She thought. Telling her truth was rare. Gwyn existed simply to please those with whom she cared for. But breaking points were being broached upon. “Loyalty is huge to me—“ And she considered the implications of her words. Of the personal loyalties she was breaking. Not that he might’ve realized. Not that he even cared. She thought sourly. Finally, Gwyn sat back, straight and tall. “How can I be sure you can even stay loyal? Calvin, you and I both know your track record stands against you—I can’t—I can’t go into this knowing you might risk hurting me so carelessly.”

A lull. “For—for no other reason than to simply please your ego. You need ground rules. We—this would need—need ground rules. If we did it.”

It was no secret Calvin didn’t have to work for anything in his entire life. Everything was handed to him on a silver platter and fed to him with a golden spoon. Women were apart of them -- more often than not they fell at his feet and he used them up until he was bored with little to no remorse for the consequences. 

In many ways, Gwyn could be lumped up with the masses. At least until she proved herself to be useful. Or, in this case, until Richard decides to put a bullet in her. The later was an idea he hadn’t put much thought into, too wrapped up in the game to focus on the inevitable end. 

Pulling Gwyn into his intricately threaded web should be easy. Most women can’t deny themselves the chance to tame the bad boy, claim the bachelor for themselves and boast about how they changed him for the better. The false sense of hope he was dangling in her face should be enough but, of course, she makes this more complicated than it should be. 

“You can’t judge me for the shit I did when we weren’t together.” He countered her statement, with a simple truth. “Those women -- what I did -- it has nothing to do with you...with us, you knew what this situation was when we started it.” 

He shakes his head briefly before speaking once again. “I don’t need ground rules, I’m not a child.” There’s a pause, letting his words hang in the air before continuing, his voice taking a more understanding tone. “The only way this works is if you trust me and, to be quite honest, I haven’t given you a reason not to. I haven’t cheated because we weren’t together and, despite being a little...adventurous, I’ve kept this thing between us a secret.” All of the above was a truth he knew couldn’t be denied.

“You need to have some faith in me. That’s all I’m asking. If I didn’t want this, I wouldn’t be doing all of this right now, would I?” He explained. “So, either you wanna give this a shot or not, Gwyn. You either want me or you don’t. It’s your choice, Gwyn, all I’m asking is a chance.”

[cjohnscn]

evaswcct‌:

It was her mother’s fault; Eva saw herself as prime real estate knowing that being young and pretty was what got a woman places, especially if they knew what to give and when to give it. Still, she was young and ambitious and expected her win to lead her to more than being ‘in-talks’ for projects by now. Twenty-five was creeping up on her and though it was hardly what one considered and old maid, her ambition was seen in her eyes as stupidity when she laid her eyes on Calvin. He was doing well – apart from his good looks and money making him a catch, Eva had actually liked him once upon a time. What possessed her to let it end so she could go off working when her meal ticket was right next to her, she couldn’t say, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t up for trying to get him back. 

“ You’re still dangerously charming, I see.” She chuckled as she stained his cheeks with her kisses, insurance that for a while other women would be chased off seemed that she’d marked her territory. “ I must be losing my touch then if you didn’t notice me.Guess that means I’ll have to work a little harder tonight to keep your attention. “ She smiled, lashes batting up at him. “ How bout you by this beautiful woman a drink for ol’ time’s sake?”

As his eyes traveled over her petite but sinful frame, Calvin wondered what the fuck caused him to let her go. While their relationship was brief, he could hardly remember any bad time and could vividly remember that pretty little pout wrapped around his dick. The short answer was that he got bored and she got busy. Still, while his list of girlfriend’s could be counted on less than one hand, Eva was one of the few women who he could run into a bar and not get a drink thrown in his face. Which was both a blessing and a curse considering the recent developments in his personal life. 

“Me? No, I’m just being a polite -- a gentleman, if you will.” He stated, them both knowing he was far from it and the smirk on his face said exactly that. “Believe me, Eva, you ain’t gotta work hard to get anyone’s attention.” Not in that dress goes unsaid, Calving managing to reel it in. “I can’t say no to a pretty woman, can I?” His hand landed on the small of her back, mostly to help guide her through the sea of people until he reached the bar. Upon approaching, with a simple gesture, a bartender was dropping everything to make their way over. “I would ask what your poison is but I think the better questions, is what type of night are you trying to have.”

[cjohnscn]

evaswcct‌:

When work got cumbersome it was only fair that Eva got to treat herself to a night out. While she had her image to consider, she could enjoy a little clubbing with her girlfriends so long as she didn’t get sloppy drunk and go home with a stranger, which wasn’t something she would do anyway. While it was more than fair to say Eva always looked her best, tonight was spectacular, her little black dress and plunging neckline made it hard to keep eyes off, which was exactly what she wanted. Though a few photos were snapped on camera phones on the way in, it was mostly discreet inside, which meant it was time for the first round of drinks. Wanting to hit the dance floor before he feet started to hurt, Eva’s friends headed to the bar to order drinks while the blonde pushed through the crowd to make her way to the floor when a familiar face made her pause. His back was turned, which gave her the chance to pull more of her cleavage out and flip her hair to the side before she placed her hand on his shoulder.” As I live and breathe… Calvin Johnson. Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.”

@cjohnscn

As with most nights, Calvin was enjoying the fruits of his labor at Inferno. The club was a hot spot within the city and no matter what day it was, there was always guaranteed to be a line of people clamoring to get in. For once, he wasn’t tucked away in his VIP booth hosting a bevvy of scantily clad women in tight dresses but instead down on the main part of the floor, trying to act like some semblance of the club owner that he was. Bottle of booze in hand, it was intended for the VIP booth filled with some notable guests. Shifting through the crowd, the hand on his shoulder made him pause and when he turned on, his ex was the last person he expected to see. Their breakup was on good terms -- or as good as terms as it could be considering he got bored and she got swept up in the world of sparkly dresses and hair spray -- so it wasn’t dismay she was met with but genuine surprise. “Funny, I could say the same for myself.” He remarked, a grin slowly appearing on his face. “Wonderin’ how you were able to slip into here without me noticin’. I usually have a knack for spottin’ the most beautiful woman in this place.”

[cjohnscn]

guineverebianchi‌:

Gwyn had very bad habits. Maybe he was now her favourite, though it was still too soon for her to admit to it. Evidence was clear, logic screamed at her to call it quits, end the physical notion. Territory crossing into emotional was pressing into a line she already crossed, like there was a second one. He was glad? She thought, wondering if the shock was still upon her expression, or if she was getting better at hiding her emotions. Tempted to confirm, she bit down on her bottom lip instead, dropping her head. Don’t say anything, she thought. Just sit down.

Moving forward, heels sounding against the club’s floor, looking around the room before she reached the seat, falling into it slowly and setting her small bag on the back of the chair. “I know—“ And she did. He was right. Arrogance and his apt to see through her was getting irritating. At least, she was at herself. “I just didn’t think you’d ever want to move it forward, past what we do now—“ It was chaotic, this crush mingled with an infatuation. Looking to the champagne, she lifted it to her lips.

“So,” She whispered, setting the flute down, as she looked around. She needed answers, far too eager to wait, as hues fell, looking him in the eye. “Are—are w-we—“ How cowardly was it, to be in such disbelief she couldn’t spit the words out. “Are we—go—going,” She stopped to take another longer sip. “Are you interested in… dating?” She asked, managing to get it out. Was she prepared for that expected no? “I thought you were only interested in anything physical.”

It was easy -- almost too easy. If Calvin had any sort of heart, he’d almost feel bad at how he effortlessly coaxed Gwyn into his elaborate web. Calvin will give her credit, she did try to put up a fight. Albeit, a weak one, that was easy to push through and have her back in his arms at the snap of a finger -- but the effort was noted. 

The night as his club was the breaking point. Calvin fully able to grasp the lengths she’d go in order to please him, be wanted by him and to have him. Owning her physically wasn’t an issue but slapping the label and providing her the comfort she desired was what would fully lure her to his side -- her family allegiances be damned.

After the champagne was poured, he nodded at the waiter to leave them alone. The room now empty and Gwyn didn’t waste a second to get straight to the point, her curiosity breaking the silence and getting the best of her. “I didn’t like seeing you with that guy.” Calvin stated, partially because it was what she wanted to here but there was, also, a nagging need to possess her that burned in his stomach.

“And after that night well...” He trailed off, letting the words linger in the air before he choosing to elaborate any further. “...the thought of you with someone else drove me insane. I don’t want to share you Gwyn.” Calvin added, far from romantic but it was the only semi-truth he had among all the bullshit. “I don’t know this works between us but I want to give it a try.”

[cjohnscn]

guineverebianchi‌:

Gwyn knew she shouldn’t go. That noose was getting closer and closer to her neck, almost dangling over her head in an attempt to say ‘put it on, seal your fate.’ The full length mirror propped on the furthest wall stood before her, clothes tossed onto the floor of her closet. No, she shouldn’t go, she considered, after her eighth outfit considered before her reflection. She should take the out while she still had the chance, run and screech, proclaim her faith in the family’s name and consider it a done deal. She shouldn’t go. And yet—

“Going somewhere?” That familiar voice of her father’s broke through the silence, as Gwyn jumped. A lull, staring, and her father repeated. “Where are you going on a Wednesday night?”

“Out with Leyla.” She whispered quickly, as smooth as her voice would allow without so much shakiness. “Papa, I don’t work, and it’s not a school night. I might stay over at her place again”

“You two go out a lot.”

“Well, we’re single girls—“ A small smile lingered on her lips, as she shifted in her stance, looking back at her reflection. “We’re behaving.” She offered after a moment of staring. He lingered, a moment, before leaving. It’d have to do, the lie that she kept feeding. It could eat her up inside, she knew that. It’d stay there, bubbling under the surface.

Guilt had that ability to make her feel worse for wear with every passing day.

Looking at the time, Gwyn was running late as it was, wardrobe choices poor in her opinion—what did she wear to a club that was bought out—he bought it out—was all that sounded through her head. “Fuck—“ She whispered, reaching for her small clutch and phone. The Uber was called as she ran down the foyer of the long steps within her home, heels pattered against the tile as she ran for the car. She could turn back, run. Forget it, drop it. Not that it stopped her getting in the car. Not that it stopped her pulling out her phone to smooth tresses behind her ears, curls tamed and smoothed out.

Why was she trying? She didn’t need to try. They had sex—and he wanted more.

Lingering emotions settled, chest felt like it was a thunderous storm as she stepped out of the Uber. Run down the street, hail another, go to Leyla’s and forget this? None of that stopped her from moving to the door, twisting the doorknob. This was it, there was nothing else. That minor crush that fell from his attention on her was playing with her mind, her heart taking control as she stepped inside. Silence eluded her, as she moved further into the club area, hues resting on him.

Looking that good was inexcusable. She assumed money, power, an unmatched dick game that Gwyn hadn’t experienced in other partners, but you didn’t put that on a greeting card for congratulations in someone’s skills. “Calvin—“ She ushered his name, stepping into the dim light, barely there makeup in intention to keep it casual. Or not casual. He really should’ve told her something. “You know for a second I almost—“ What? Didn’t believe he was capable of doing this? Too nervous to come and step into this new standard? “Is this what you want?”

Her response -- the surprise -- was warranted. After months of doing nothing but fucking each other’s brains out, tonight was a sharp 180 for what’s become their unusual norm. “I’m glad you decided to come.” He stated at the sound of his name, the smile on his face intentionally placed. Calvin knew it wouldn’t take much to lull her into a false sense of security. Already, he had her wrapped around his finger but the point of tonight was to make her think that she had some stake in this twisted little game she found herself in. That she managed to do the impossible -- tame a Johnson man and be good enough for him to only have eyes for her. 

“You have a tendency to ask silly questions we both know you know the answer to.” He remarked moving over the single table that was set up in the middle of the room. “I wouldn’t have done all of this if I didn’t want to.” Pulling out the chair, he motioned for Gwyn to take a seat at the table. And with that, a server was walking over to fill two glasses with champagne before disappearing into the back room. 

[cjohnscn]

Was he nervous? No, his ego wouldn’t allow him to be. He was Calvin fuckin’ Johnson, there was no way in the world he was going to get stood up by Guinevere. Not tonight, not ever. He was positive she toyed with the idea of saying no but, by now, Calvin was confident enough that he’d gotten under her skin enough to the point where if he said jump, her only response would be how high. That knowledge didn’t make him feel any less like a fucking idiot. After dressing up in perfectly tailored Tom Ford suit and renting out Aria, a popular night spot, for the evening all to give her the privacy she so desired under the falsehood that he actually cared about anything besides getting between her legs. Lulling her into her a false sense of trust and comfort was important, so if he had to be the Prince Charming she imagined him to be so be it. 

@guineverebianchi

[cjohnscn]

guineverebianchi‌:

He wasn’t wrong. That sudden slip of the tongue had her biting back, dropping her gaze. He had a means of making her feel stupid, perhaps on purpose, perhaps luck. She felt silly, a schoolgirl crush on someone totally unattainable sounded like the personal hell Gwyn would crawl into. Lifting her head, hues widened. “What?” She echoed in a soft voice, barely audible over the music. She looked around, hesitant for someone to catch them, but just as previous, his next statement had brows knitting together in shock. “What?” She repeated again, blinking. Shut up! She silently scolded herself. Nodding, she turned, downing her champagne and ordering a fresh one, struggling to swallow the big gulp for the moment. Why didn’t he have a date? Go somewhere quiet sounded more like his habit, slipping into what their regular business was. Though cutting this off at the knees, stopping it was also key, it wasn’t on her mind at that moment. Turning, she exhaled a shaky breath. “Come with me,” She whispered, walking in the opposite direction of him, a small office area off the main room, as she slipped inside, waiting for him to move, as she closed the door, locking it. Turning, taking a swig of her champagne, she swallowed the lump in her throat. “I—“ Gwyn cleared her throat. “I don’t know how I feel about doing it on someone’s desk that I don’t know…”

His face didn’t show but, honestly, he was...amused at how in a matter of a few months he managed to train Gwyn. How his mere presence and simple statement, had her already jump, skipping to take her clothes off and be fucked senseless without a care in the world about where they were. He should take advantage but there was a bigger goal in hand that he was trying to accomplish. “Good cause that’s not what I meant when I said let’s go somewhere alone.” He leaned back against the door, no effort made to rip her clothes off and ravish her like he normally would. Even if it’s what his dick wanted, making Gwyn fall in love with him wasn’t fully going to be accomplished by sex. “There’s a lotta people out there, so I won’t hold you long but I was hoping I could take you out sometime. Nowhere public or fancy, but I hated seeing you with that guy the other night. You don’t have to give me an answer now but if you’re interested, I bought out Aria for the night next Friday and I hope you’ll be there.” And with that, he’s pushing off the door and making his way over. A hand raises, brushing a loose curl behind her ear before leaning down to press her lips against her own in a sweet, lingering kiss. “I hope you’ll be there.” He added, breaking the kiss. “Have a good rest of your night, Gwyn.” Turning on the heel of his foot, he stepped away and made an exit

END

[dailynetflix]

“I try to stay myself and be as honest and true as I can be, you know, and be a nice person. I’ve always been taught to be kind to people and have an open mind about life.”

[daily-men]

[cjohnscn]

guineverebianchi‌:

What was Gwyn’s entire chance that night but to get his attention? From the hair to the dress to the heels, the look screamed ‘look at me’ with the off chance he would. Reading Calvin was impossible. Understanding his motive of ‘did he want me, didn’t he want me’ sent her head spinning more times than she could count. “You were the one standing too close to me—“ She countered, and a step forward centered her in a proximity that got her into trouble last time. A time that included her on—Don’t go there! She scolded herself silently. Biting her lip, she mulled her words, a sip of champagne to calm her nerves. Yes, jumping him would’ve been easy, and yes, denying the very feverish emotional ties he held on her were terrifying to think of. But his admission had that flush of pink, unmistakable even in the spotlight, as she licked her lips slowly. “Why, so I’ll go home with you?” She whispered. But it was heartache in a silent sense. Would be compliment her? Didn’t his eyes wander faster than the insults fell from his lips? “Where’s your date tonight?”

“I was standing here -- you walked into me.” His insistent need to get the last word and always be right would not work in his favor this evening. Surprisingly, pissing Gwyn off wasn’t the plan...for once. He other ideas in mind and getting her all riled up in the wrong ways so soon would get him nowhere. “No, because I wanted to see you.” The statement came out surprisingly earnest, his words giving off an air of sincerity that wasn’t normally there. As if her shamelessly riding his dick in public was enough to work some spell over him. “I don’t have one.” An actual truth, not that he couldn’t find one or that he didn’t have endless options but appearing single and like he wanted her was the goal of this evening. “You done asking questions? Or can we get a drink and go somewhere a little more quiet?”

[cjohnscn]

guineverebianchi‌:

It was the same scenario that always fell her way. Like some weakened school girl. Ignoring whatever it was, was creating a mess of a woman not yet seen within. But it didn’t still footsteps, sharpened heels tracked the floor, their sounds muffled by the music. She didn’t see him—and would deny looking for him in the first place. The plethora of them versus us were surrounding her, half-shaded glares mingled with smiles from familiar, and lost within the citizens who were stuck in between. It was a mess, so much so that she needed a drink. An order of champagne, noting to return to Dominic’s side seemed to be the smartest move she would make in a while. As Gwyn turned—she caught, and almost dead collided with his chest. “Jesus Christ—“ Exclaimed from her lips, as she staggered back a step, her back hitting the bar. “I—“ A sigh fell from her lips. “I didn’t see you there.”

@cjohnscn

He could’ve easily made a spectacle of tonight. Showed up to the event with some bimbo who wasn’t good enough for anything besides being his arm candy. Calvin knew she’d be there and, for once, he wasn’t trying to get a rise out of her. No, no he proved his point when he fucked her in his club weeks ago in plain view. Now,was time for him to up his game. Be the guy she made him out to be in her dreams. The cat and mouse game was over, he needed to step his game up if he wanted to fully get Gwyn on his side and start blabbering about the American Mob. He hadn’t gone looking for her (yet) but fate willed her into his existence, her crashing into him earning her a chuckle. “Sure about that?” He teasingly commented, peering down at the blonde. “Because you sure do have a habit of bumping into me in public spaces after yelling at me that we shouldn’t be seen together.” For once, he shoots a cautious glare to his left and right as if he finally gave a shit about someone seeing her with him. “Not that I’m complaining, I’m glad you did -- I was hoping to see you tonight.”

[cjohnscn]

CALVIN JOHNSON

Avengers Endgame After Party

[cjohnscn]

guineverebianchi‌:

cjohnscn‌:

Keep reading

Her need for him -- as she was settled on her in knees in semi-plain view, cheeks obviously flushed in the dark lighting of the club -- was impressive. Through a hooded gaze, CJ could see her struggling but determined as all hell to take every inch of him into her mouth. Gwyn’s willingness and overeagerness to please him -- even at the risk of losing air -- earning her a loud, guttural groan as a reward. His head lulled back, soaking in the sensations as her mouth and hand worked in tandem to please him. Dragging along his hardened length at a pace that would make a weaker man lose his mind. 

Where did she learn this from? The answer popping into his mind almost immediately -- it was him -- making Calvin smirk as his gaze focused back on the blonde. His grip on her hair tightened, a soft hiss followed by a muttered curse as her mouth sunk down upon his cock once more. He could feel his dick pulsing, eager for a release that Calvin, thankfully, had the willpower to subside for a bit longer.

When she pulls away, giving him a much needed reprieve, Calvin had to bite back the chuckle that was threatening to spill from his lips at her attempt at a power play. While impressive, it would take more than a blowjob for Calvin to hand over control that easily. A hand reached out, gripping her waist and tugging her back onto his lap. “Oh, Baby...” He cooed against the crook her neck, lips teasingly trailing up the length of it. “...we aren’t going to make it back to my place.” Or anywhere for that matter. She lost the privilege of privacy the second she went storming out of his office, throwing that little tantrum.

“We’re going to finish what you started.” Calvin finished, a hand disappearing beneath the skirt of her dress. To coax her into submission, his fingers begin to teasingly rub Gwyn against the fabric of her panties, already feeling how wet she was, which made him grin against her skin. “It’s been too long since I’ve had you, I can’t wait any longer.”

[cjohnscn]

elspethbarnes‌:

“I would, actually – “ she replied, there was a rare playfulness to her monotone today. CJ was fun, no one she would ever consider really entertaining, but he had that youthful arrogance that seemed unfaltering. And it was amusing to watch it in action, how he could just attract romance and disaster by existing, then callously shrug it off. 

He reminded her a bit of herself. It was like having a child that she could actually relate to, as opposed to her own child whom had never really connected with her. Resting her chin on his shoulder, Elspeth herself watched the girl saunter away with that unearned confidence before turning her blue eyes back to CJ. 

“I’m one of the most attractive woman over forty in this city so, I wouldn’t expect anything less.’

They were an odd duo. The age difference and contrasting personalities would make people raise a few brows, which is probabyl why the worked. Elspeth didn’t take him seriously and, despite his efforts at first, Calvin didn’t try to get in her pants -- his playful flirtation not counting as it’s now become part of their rapport.  

Somehow, they formed a relationship that mirrored an older sister to a younger brother...a mother to her child...it depended on the day and what bullshit Calvin was up to when they stumbled across one another. 

“What can I say, El? I live to impress you. You’re a hard woman to please, so I’ll take what I can get.” He responded with a grin, body shifting in her direction. “So, what’re you doing here besides stalking me? I know you can’t go long without me but it’s barely noon, hun.”