Page 27 of Broken Promises

“Is there anything you want to tell me?” I arched my brow.

“Well…”

“Relax, Mom. I know you two have been dating. I suspected it since I first came here. Now…how about I bring you some breakfast?” My mom nodded eagerly, and I returned to the kitchen to retrieve everything I had prepared. Pancakes, fresh fruit, orange juice. Just the way she liked it. I brought everything in on a tray.

“I feel like I’ve been run over by a truck,” my mom groaned, “but this is going to help.” My nerves were still shot from her accident, but I was glad to have her home and I was going to do everything I could to make her comfortable.

I smiled sympathetically.

“I figured we should get some food into you, and then I’ll give you some of your pain meds.” Mom nodded, digging into her food. With how happily she ate it, one would think she hadn’t eaten in ages. The doorbell rang when I was about to steal a strawberry from her plate.

“Saved by the bell.” I smirked as I opened the door, only to find Luke holding a tray of coffees in one hand and flowers in the other. My brows furrowed.

“Where did you get the flowers?” I asked him. “My mom’s store is shut…”

“Morning, Luce,” Luke said, holding one of the coffees out to me. “And a gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell, sweetheart, unless youwantto kiss me.”

My cheeks burned, but I tried to redirect my focus. “Thank you. I could use another boost of coffee this morning.” I took it eagerly. No matter how much I searched for the perfect coffee in Seattle, nothing could ever compare to Brew Haha. “I’m going to be lost without Brew Haha when I return to Seattle at the end of the summer.”

Luke eyed me momentarily before he shook his head and cleared his throat. Only then did the situation I put him in dawn upon me. A part of me wondered if he also shared the dirty thoughts I occasionally caught myself thinking about him.

“How’s your mom doing today?” He swiftly changed the topic.

“She’s eating breakfast right now. She said she feels like she’s been run over by a

truck. Once she’s done eating, I’ll give her more pain meds. Do you want to say hi? I’m sure she would like the company.”

“Sure, I also brought her coffee, but I wasn’t sure if she could have it.”

“Well, the doctors didn’t mention any dietary restrictions, so I’m sure it’s fine.” I led the way into the guest room, where my mom was nearly done with her breakfast. Her expression brightened when she saw Luke in the doorway.

“Lukey, you brought coffee. Thank God! I wasn’t about to say anything, but Lucy forgot about my morning coffee.” As Lukeapproached, he handed over her coffee. How did he even know what she got? “You were always my favorite boyfriend of Lucy’s.”

“Mom!” I scolded, and Luke grinned with a shrug.

“What? I never did like Jason, and see how that turned out?” My mom took a sip of her coffee. “I told you that boy was trouble, but you didn’t believe me!”

I covered my face. I couldn’t believe Mom had said that. On second thought, I could

believe it. It soundedexactlylike my mom. Instead of focusing on the burning embarrassment in my cheeks, I switched my attention to the coffee Luke brought over and how it awoke my taste buds.

“Oh, don’t feel bad, Luce.” Luke rubbed my back. Again, every cell in my body reacted. I wasn’t sure if it was just everything we had been through together recently, or if I never fully got over him, but the more these innocent touches he gave me, the more I craved. A part of me even regretted pulling back from that kiss at his place.

“Okay, I’m leaving you to handle your visit alone,” I said, pointing to Luke before I looked at my mom. “Mom, let me know when you’re done and if you need help getting to the bathroom.”

I walked out of the room, ready to tackle the dishes from this morning. While I knew they were joking around, Luke’s presence increased the burning in my body, and I just needed a moment away from him.

“Hey,” Luke said only a few minutes later, bringing Mom’s breakfast dishes. I jumped at the sudden tone, nearly dropping my coffee into the sink.

“Shit.” I placed the coffee on the counter beside me, trying to recollect my composure. Why was it suddenly so hard to keep my cool around him?

“I didn’t mean to scare you.” Luke plopped the dishes into the sink, offering a small smile. I returned it.

“You didn’t, I mean, you did—but I was so zoned out that I didn’t hear you walk in.”

“Is everything okay?” Concern etched his face.

“Yeah, I just…I didn’t sleep well. I had a few nightmares, and then I was overthinking how I’m going to help mom at her flower store. It will be a lot of work, but I want her to rest as much as possible,” I admitted. “You know her. She’ll want to be on her feet constantly, which will definitely delay her recovery.” I returned to washing the dishes. Luke stood behind me, and then his hands found my shoulders. He moved slowly, circularly, hitting all the right spots and sending tingles through my whole body.

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