Page 15 of Pretty Little Disaster

“Did you make those?” I ask.

“Yes, Serena’s recipe. I messaged her to get it.”

“I do love Serena’s pancakes.” My stomach suddenly feels very empty.

“I know you do, that's why I messaged her.” He nudges the plate toward me.

“How the hell could you have known that?” I frown at him and laugh at the same time.

“Are you kidding? Every time you came over to Madalina’s for brunch I’d have to hear you make those noises while you ate them.” He stares back at me.

“I don’t know what noises you’re talking about.” I deny all knowledge as I pick up a fork and start to eat. I have to give him credit where it’s deserved, he’s done a fine job, I don’t think I can taste the difference.

“So, do you make a banquet-style breakfast for all your houseguests?” I swallow while making a conscious effort not to make any noises.

“Only the ones who are growing a baby for me, and you're not a houseguest. This is your home, now. You should treat it that way.” He moves over to the stove and flips the eggs that are on the skillet. Then checks whatever's in the pan before he stirs it.

“On atrialperiod,” I remind him. Reaching across for a pain au chocolat while he dutifully pours me an orange juice.

How is this even happening, right now?

“I arranged for your car to be towed from the doctor’s office, and taken to Madalina and Dario’s place. They have plenty of space to keep it there .” I suspect he purposely chose to ignore my comment.

“Yeah, about that. We have to–”

“I also drafted a letter of resignation for you to email to your boss. You might want to add some sentimental crap to it. The ‘thank you for the opportunity, I wish you all the best’ kind of bull shit. I have a habit of being too direct.” He smiles as if all his actions are perfectly normal.

“Seems that's not your only habit,” I mutter under my breath.

“Oatmeal?” He takes the pan off the gas.

“No, thank you. I’ve reached my limit.” I sit back in the chair and wait for the inevitable.

Nic shrugs, putting down the pan, then after examining my plate gives a nod of approval.

“We really do have to discuss the car situation. I need a vehicle.” I have to stand firm and hold my own on this. It’s how I usually handle things, and I don’t know how I’ve let things get so out of hand.

“Why?” Nic looks curious as he rests his ass against the kitchen worktop and drinks from his coffee mug.

“Because.” All the answers I have for him vanish, as I focus on how tight his shirt is. It clings to his biceps perfectly and the way he has his sleeves rolled up his forearms is hot too.

“Lorna?” He lowers his head.

“Because…” I quickly drag myself back to the moment. “... I have to get to college. I have errands to run and a life.”

“I can take you to college and pick you up, and if you need an errand running, I’ll have Seb do it.” He places down his mug and stretches out his neck.

“That’s not normal.” I shake my head.

“Is anything about this situation normal?” He smirks, triggering that frustration inside me that makes me want to throw something at him. Nic’s always been so cocksure of himself and despite how life-changing all this is, he’s acting as if he’s got some kind of power over me. If I didn’t know better, I’d say it was getting him off.

“What time do you have to be there?” He checks his watch after he places his empty mug in the basin.

“I don’t have a lecture until ten.” I chance a sip of juice and regret it when I feel that familiar wave of nausea roll in my stomach.

“Plenty of time to send that email to your manager at the restaurant.” He smiles as he opens up his laptop and starts to type.

“Don’t you think all this is too much too fas…” I slam my hand over my mouth and rush to the bathroom when I start to retch. Then, clinging to the edge of the toilet, I bring up my breakfast.

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