Page 25 of Four Stepbrothers for Christmas

And that right there was where the information stopped.

"Oh, that sounds divine!" Mom cooed. "You always did love a good soak. I'm glad you're finding moments of relaxation amid all that work. And just think of the extra cash you're pocketing. Iwasthinking of redoing the kitchen, hint hint.”

Mom was clearly messing around, but all the same, my heart warmed at the thought of contributing to the house I grew up in. "That'd be great. It's about time that old kitchen got a face lift."

Mom chuckled, "Right? I can't wait. It's long overdue. And maybe with your extra earnings, you can treat yourself a bit. Perhaps a spa day?"

I smiled, visualizing a day of pampering. "God, that’d be amazing. But with my current schedule, the best spa day I’m going to get is a quick dip in the hot tub."

Our conversation took a lighthearted turn, with Mom discussing neighborhood gossip and me sharing some of the lighter, more comedic moments I'd experienced at the cabin. The ease and flow of our talk was something I cherished. Even hundreds of miles apart, it felt like she was right beside me.

However, the tranquility shattered when a quick, anxious glance at my bedside clock made my heart race. "Oh, damn," I whispered sharply.

Concern instantly colored my mother's voice. "What happened? Everything okay?"

Pulling myself upright, panic setting in, I exclaimed, "I overslept, Mom! I usually have breakfast ready by now. I can't believe I let time slip away."

She let out a soft sigh, her decades of motherhood shining through. "Oh, honey. You're always so conscientious. Just remember you need your rest too."

Laughing, albeit a bit nervously, I began gathering my things, preparing mentally for the breakfast rush. "I'll remember that. But for now, I've got to dash. I love you so much, and I'll call you the moment my plane lands, okay?"

With her trademark chuckle, Mom teased, "For the whole twenty-four hours before you're airborne again?"

Grinning, feeling the weight of the morning's urgency but grateful for the bond I shared with my mom, I shot back, "Exactly! Now, I really have to run. Love you, Mom."

The cold sensation of the hardwood floor greeted my feet as I sprang out of bed. Every moment counted now. Scanning the room for something suitable to wear, my attention shifted to the soft, rhythmic knock at the door. I reached for my robe hastily, draped it around me, and swung the door open, half-expecting it to be one of the guys coming to demand breakfast.

To my surprise, it was Isaac, holding a tray laden with a delightful breakfast assortment. The smell of fresh toast and brewed coffee wafted through, making me momentarily forget my earlier embarrassment.

My cheeks burned as I stammered, "I'm so sorry, Isaac. I swear I set my alarm. I must've..."

He silenced my bubbling apologies with a gentle chuckle. His eyes, so often guarded, were soft. "Hey, it's okay," he soothed, "Turns out, Vinnie turned off your alarm. He thought you deserved some extra rest."

I groaned in exasperation. "That man is going to get an earful from me!"

Isaac's laughter was like a melody, calming and gentle. "Honestly, it might've been for the best. You've been working tirelessly since you got here."

"I still have responsibilities," I huffed.

His grin widened and was more confident, showcasing effortless charisma that set him apart from his friends. "Well, right now your only responsibility is to get back into bed and enjoy this breakfast I’ve got for you."

I raised an eyebrow, the cheek of him demanding such a thing. But his smile was infectious, disarming, and it sent an odd warmth spiraling down my spine. Perhaps it was the genuine care in his gesture, or maybe the allure of the breakfast tray he held. Either way, the combination was too irresistible.

With a dramatic roll of my eyes, I retreated to the bed, settling against the plush pillows. "Fine, but only because you brought food," I teased.

Isaac set the tray down on the bed, its contents meticulously arranged. There were fluffy pancakes, their golden hue promising sweetness, a side of crispy bacon, a pot of freshly brewed coffee, and even a vase with a single rose, its crimson petals vivid against the white porcelain.

"For you," he said softly, pointing to the rose. "Thought it might brighten up your morning."

I was taken aback. It was such a simple gesture, but coming from Isaac, it spoke volumes. This was a side of him I hadn't seen before, and it made my heart flutter in unexpected ways.

"Thank you, Isaac. This means a lot," I whispered, my fingers brushing the cool petals of the rose.

He nodded, his eyes momentarily intense, filled with unspoken thoughts. "You're welcome, Becca. Enjoy your breakfast."

As I began to eat, I couldn't help but reflect on the surprising tenderness of the moment. With these men, every day was an adventure, filled with unexpected moments of warmth, camaraderie, and now, with Isaac's gesture, a hint of something deeper.

Chapter 16

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