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“It’s your own fault for mentioning that yesterday was Friday the thirteenth,” he says. “I realized that made today the fourteenth—February fourteenth.”
“It’s Valentine’s Day?”
“It is.”
I freeze. I don’t know how I am supposed to respond to this. The pancakes are simple enough—not an overblown gesture—but also so thoughtful. I hadn’t even thought about today being a holiday, and clearly, I have nothing to give him in return.
“Th-thank you, Nate.” I stutter embarrassingly. “That’s really sweet.”
“It’s the syrup that’s sweet,” he says as he pulls a small glass bottle labeled Rosa’s Pure Maple Syrup from the bag and opens the top. “Just sm
ell it.”
I hold the bottle, noting the “Made right here in Ohio” label, and take a sniff.
“Amazing, isn’t it?”
“Wow! It smells fantastic!”
“Tastes even better,” Nate says, taking the bottle back. “I’ve never actually made pancakes before, so even if they’re awful, the syrup will make up for it.”
“You really made these yourself?”
“Mmhmm.” Nate glances at me out of the corner of his eye, lopsided grin in place. “I admit I had help, but I mixed up the batter and poured the heart shapes. I won’t mention the first twenty pancakes that ended up looking more like anatomical hearts, complete with random arteries and veins sticking out.”
“Not so appetizing,” I say with a laugh.
“Not at all.” Nate grins. “I’m also not going to mention the ones I burned.”
“I hope they aren’t all going to waste!” I laugh.
“I’m pretty sure Antony is eating them right now.” Nate chuckles and then looks at me earnestly. “I hope you like them.”
“I’m sure I will.”
We sit at my little kitchen table, and Nate carefully pours the maple syrup over my pancakes. I take a bite, chewing slowly as the sweet syrup coats my mouth.
“These are incredible!” I take another bite.
“I’m glad you like them.” Nate sits up a little taller, a self-satisfied grin plastered on his face. “I mean, I did taste-test them, of course, but the look on your face says it all.”
“Mmm!” I close my eyes as I shove another mouthful between my lips.
Nate’s eyes darken slightly as he watches me, and I feel my cheeks redden. His tongue darts out across his lips for a moment before he turns to his own stack of pancakes.
“I’m sorry I didn’t realize what day it was.” I stare down at my nearly empty plate, not quite able to meet his eyes. “This was so thoughtful, and I haven’t done anything for you.”
“Gifts should never be given with the thought of reciprocation.” Nate reaches over, his fingers lightly stroking my knuckles. He removes them quickly, but I can still feel his touch.
“I suppose that’s true.” I glance at him shyly. “Still, I’ll have to figure out a way to make it up to you.”
“You already made me dinner,” Nate reminded me.
“PB and J hardly counts.” I scoff. “That didn’t even require any cooking.”
“You saved dinner.” Nate shrugs as he finishes the last of his pancakes. “I was going to lose my mind if I stayed at the restaurant any longer.” Nate cringes and looks away, his eyes darkening.
“You were rather upset.”
