Page 64 of How to Marry the Boss

“Is she okay?”

“Now that she’s home, I’m sure she’s happy to be in her own bed.”

“If I were her, I’d probably feel the same way.” I follow him into the kitchen. “You got food.”

“I figured we could have some eggs and bacon with the donuts.”

If he got breakfast, maybe last night did somewhat matter to him. “You don’t have to do that.”

“I want to,” he replies, walks over to me, and caresses my check.

I lean into his warm touch. “Can I help?”

“No need. But you can set the table if you’d like.”

I smile before grabbing plates, place mats, napkins, and silverware. Arranging the table only takes a few seconds before I’m left just staring at him as he cooks the eggs and bacon on the stove.

“I didn’t know we had a donut place nearby.” I lean against the island as I watch him multitask between the two pans.

“I thought the same thing until I noticed one on my way back.”

“Good to know.” I give my best fake smile. Now that he’s here, my questions become loud in my head.

I dread having to ask him. Will this be like ripping a bandage off, hurting for only a moment? Or will it be like getting hit by a truck?

“Can I make you coffee?” I dart to the coffee maker on the other side of the kitchen. Anything to stop my mind from scaring me.

“Yeah, thanks,” he replies.

I let out a silent sigh of relief. “How do you drink it?”

“Black.” He flips over the pieces of bacon.

A few minutes later, our plates are filled with food and we sit at the table.

“This looks delicious,” I compliment him.

“Only the best for you, baby girl.”

A shiver of pleasure runs down my spine hearing him say my nickname. How can a man make me feel scared, horny, and desirable all at once?

I grab my fork, digging into the scrambled eggs that are seasoned well with salt, pepper, and a hint of what looks like salsa.

I moan from just the first bite. “How did you?—”

“I’ve found that adding a splash or two of medium salsa to eggs gives them a bit of a kick.”

“Without the flavor being too overwhelming, right?”

“Exactly.” He winks at me.

We eat the rest of our food in silence. The longer it lasts, the harder it is for me to ignore. Even the sweet taste of my favorite donuts I so adore can’t make me feel better. The silence is uncomfortable.

I’m pulled from my thoughts when Jake’s voice breaks the silence. “Are you finished?”

I nod before he sets my utensils and napkin on the plate and puts the dishes in the sink.

There’s nowhere to hide anymore. I have to talk to him. This is it.

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