Page 24 of What We Broke

He walks back across the kitchen and starts making pancake batter with absolutely no precise measurements, more than likely a breakfast he’s made for his daughter a million times before.

“Do you have any flaws?” I blurt out. “Because at this point, I’m certain you don’t have any.”

He turns around, beating the pancake mix, not the least bit put off by my question. “Are you going to eat?”

I lift a piece of bacon to my mouth and take a bite, still waiting for an answer.

“I’m stubborn,” he answers before giving his attention back to the pancakes. “Detrimentally so.”

I could see that. I’m in his house, eating bacon and eggs at midnight—I don’t think taking no for an answer was even an option for him.

“What else?”

“Hold up.” He turns on two burners and begins to pour the batter into two separate pans. “I want to know if you have any flaws.”

I shake my head, even though he can’t see me. “We do not need to go down that rabbit hole.”

There’s a lull in the conversation as I watch Jesse focus on pouring and flipping the pancakes, hoping we don’t return to his inquisition. He places the last pancake on the stack and brings the full plate to my side of the kitchen. He puts it on the counter, and stands in front of me.

There’s nothing but determination in his eyes as he curls his hand around the nape of my neck. I swallow and his thumb tracks the motion of my throat.

It’s the simplest touch, but I feel it everywhere.

“Tell me,” he demands.

His presence is both unnerving and intoxicating. I want to stay right here and flee all at the same time.

“I’m indecisive,” I tell him. “I can’t make a quick decision to save my life.”

“So if I asked you if I could kiss you right now, what would your answer be?”

There’s no doubt the answer is yes. I would kill to feel his lips on mine, but my indecision comes when I think about the consequences of the kiss.

My whole intention this evening has been a one-night stand, and something deep in my gut tells me if I let this man kiss me, I won’t be able to walk away.

Am I ready for that?

Is he ready for someone like me?

His thumb continues skimming up and down my neck as he patiently waits for my answer.

“Hurry, our food’s getting cold,” he jokes.

And I appreciate the levity.

“I’m still unsure,” I say honestly and then softly press my lips to his. “About all of this.”

Jesse’s hand gently squeezes my neck as he whispers against my mouth, “Luckily, I’m not.”

CHAPTERFIVE

jesse

NOW

“Jesse.”My boss’s voice drags my head out from under the hood of a car I’m working on. “Zara called to tell you she picked Raine up from school early.”

“What?” Straightening my back, I roll out my shoulders and tilt my head from side to side, hoping to rid myself of the stiffness. “Why didn’t she just call my cell?” I ask, patting what I know now are my empty pockets.

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