Page 86 of Fool Me Twice

“Anytime.” Her eyes lingered on mine, and heat flared in my chest.

“Georgia…”

“Yes?” She batted her long lashes.

I worked my tongue around, but words escaped me. How could I possibly express what was in my heart? This goddess had materialized in my life and changed everything. She was the second chance I didn’t deserve, and yet somehow she had come my way.

I wanted to do right by her, but I knew words were not enough. The only way I could prove myself was through action, and that took time.

“What?” Her hand drew away from mine, leaving it cold. “I look awful, don’t I?” She pressed her hand to her face.

“That’s impossible.”

She rolled her eyes. “Of course you’d say that.”

I remained serious. “Georgia—”

The sound of little footsteps interrupted us, and Sebastián entered the kitchen. He was dressed haphazardly in shorts and a wrinkled shirt. Based on the clues, it looked like he’d gotten dressed with clothes from his dirty laundry hamper.

He stopped just past the doorway and stared at us, apprehension streaked across his face.

“Good morning,” Georgia said.

“Good morning,” Sebastián mumbled. He glanced swiftly at me before looking away.

I put my coffee cup down. “Have a seat, Sebastián. Eat some breakfast.”

“I’m not hungry,” he said.

Georgia and I shared a look.

“Not even for pancakes?” she asked. “I can make them while you two sit out back. It’s such a nice morning. How does that sound?”

His eyes narrowed. “Why are you being nice to me? I ran away.”

My chest tightened. “Yes, you did, and it made us feel awful.”

“It scared us,” Georgia explained.

“But that doesn’t mean we’re going to turn our backs on you,” I said.

He thought about that for a moment, then nodded. “I’d like pancakes. Thank you.”

“Great.” Georgia clapped her hands together.

“I’m sorry.” Sebastián hung his head.

My heart cracked right in two. With a lump in my throat, I crouched in front of him and put my hand on his shoulder. “Thank you.”

He sniffled. I waited to see if there was an explanation coming, but he either didn’t have one or he was afraid to share it.

“Have a seat.” I guided him to one of the stools. “What made you run away? Why did you not want to be here anymore?”

Sebastián drew a painful inhale that shook his shoulders. I could sense Georgia behind me, waiting with bated breath.

“I heard you talking,” he said, head still bowed.

“Me? When?”

---