“I suppose one bite wouldn’t be the end of the world.” She grinned and picked up a fork.
Sophia and I watched as Alexis wrapped her lips around the fork. Sophia was waiting for the approval she so desperately sought. And I…I was just plain desperate.
She chewed then swallowed and finally smiled. “These are amazing. Seriously. Good job, Soph.”
Alexis took another bite, and Sophia glanced up at me and grinned. It was like a sucker punch to the chest.
“These are so good,” Alexis moaned, taking a seat on the barstool next to Sophia and pulling the plate closer to her. “So, so good.”
I grinned to myself, giving them a moment to enjoy their breakfast while I wiped down the counter. They talked and ate their pancakes, and I was thrilled that the summer was already off to such a great start.
“Any questions about today?” Alexis asked.
“Nope. I think we’re good. And if we can’t figure something out, we’ll call.” Not that I intended to call unless it was an emergency.
“Actually—” She paused to swallow the bite she’d been chewing. “I’ll be working from home this morning, and then I have a few showings this afternoon. So, I’ll be around most of the day if you need anything.”
I gripped the sponge. “Great.”
“Also, I meant to tell you… You’re welcome to use the pool or the home gym anytime. I know you weren’t expecting a live-in placement, and I want to make this transition easy for you.”
“Thank you,” I said. “I appreciate it. And I’ll definitely be taking you up on that offer.”
She slid off the barstool and ruffled Sophia’s hair. “Thanks, Soph.”
I grabbed her empty plate and turned to stack it in the dishwasher. When I spun around, I bumped into Alexis. She wobbled on her feet, and I reached out to steady her.
She sucked in a quick breath when my hands gripped her hips, peering up at me with surprise. This close, I could see that her eyes were a deep brown at the center and fanned out with golden rays toward the edge. They were striking.
“Preston,” she rasped, and the sound of her voice went straight to my dick. She cleared her throat. “Thank you.”
I nodded, and with great reluctance, I removed my hands from her hips. I spun, putting my back to her and Sophia so I could adjust myself discreetly. “You’re welcome.”
I would never admit it to him, but Hunter was right. I was so screwed.
Chapter Seven
“This is really good, Mommy,” Sophia said. “You should try it.”
“Try what?” I asked, pouring a glass of wine for myself. I took a sip and rounded the counter, taking a seat on the barstool next to her.
It was Tuesday, which meant Preston had the night off. His car wasn’t in the driveway, and I wondered what he was doing. Who he was with. He hadn’t mentioned a girlfriend, but that didn’t mean he was single.
“This pizza Preston made. It’sdelicious.” She took a huge bite.
I sipped my wine. “Pizza, huh? What’s in it this time?” I asked, knowing Preston’s “pancakes” and “cookies” were often much healthier than their name implied.
He’d been watching Sophia for several weeks now, and the pull between us hadn’t lessened. If anything, it was stronger. I often escaped to the office to work just so I could avoid him—avoid this insane attraction to him. He was so sweet with my daughter, and Sophia adored him.
But it was more than that. He was smart and handsome, caring and patient. And he made me laugh. He made me feel like I could be myself around him.
“Take a bite. See if you can guess.” She sat up straighter, wiggling a little in her chair.
I cut my eyes at her as I lifted a piece to my mouth. “Somehow, I think this is a trick.”
She giggled a little, and I took a bite. The flavors exploded on my tongue—tomato, oregano, onions, and mushrooms. Salty Parmesan. It was delicious.
“It’s made with garbanzo bean flour?” It seemed like a reasonable guess. I knew it was an ingredient Gabby often used when making things for Sophia.
