Page 51 of Miss Trust

“I panicked when I woke up, and she wasn’t there. I even checked the pool.” Dammit, I hated the wobble in my voice.

Much to my surprise, his hand cupped my chin. “I’m sorry you were worried. Next time I’ll let you know.”

“I shouldn’t have overslept. I didn’t mean for you or your sister to have to entertain Penny or—”

“Stop. Not only was it not a bother, it was quite entertaining to make pancakes for the first time. Plus, I have the pleasure of seeing you like this.”

His scrutiny dropped again to my breasts. And of course, my nipples weren’t getting the memo about last night being a one-time thing.

“You promised,” I whispered. Shamefully, I needed him to be the one strong enough to walk away.

He inhaled sharply. “You’re right. I did. But then you came into the kitchen with your hair mussed as if my hands had just tangled in it, your lips still swollen from my kisses, and your nipples looking hard and aching for my touch. I bet if I fingered your pussy, I’d find it wet. Wouldn’t I, Tory?”

Jesus. My entire body inflamed with his words. The sound of my daughter’s laughter from the kitchen pulled me away from such wicked thoughts and back to the task at hand. “I need to get dressed.”

He leaned in close to my ear. “Go now, before I break my promise and remind you of every detail from last night.”

* * *

I returnedto the kitchen eight minutes later, hopefully appearing a lot more put together than I was feeling. At least this time I was wearing a bra.

Penelope was up on a stool drying dishes while Kelsey washed them. Luckily, Chance was nowhere to be found.

“You do such a nice job with the dishes. Thank you for helping, Penny.”

“You’re welcome. Mama says helping people is how you show your love.”

Kelsey smiled. “It’s true. You are such a smart girl.”

Chance had been right. His sister was terrific with kids. “Hi there,” I greeted, making them aware of my presence.

Both turned around. “Hi, Mommy. We’re cleaning up.”

“I can see that.” I turned toward Kelsey. “Sorry about earlier. I was in panic mode.”

She waved me off, drying her hands on a towel. “No apology necessary. I’m Kelsey, by the way. You must be Victoria.”

“Yes, I am.” I took her outstretched hand with my own. “But please call me Tory.”

Her smile seemed to come easily. “Will do. We saved you some pancakes if you’d like.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

Penelope chimed in. “Pancakes were good, but Chance burned the first ones. He said a bad word, but then he said he was sorry.”

I bet he did. I couldn’t picture him making pancakes, so the fact he’d gone to the trouble for Penny touched me.

Kelsey laughed. “I’m afraid I wasn’t much help either. Now if Mona had been here, they would’ve been incredible.”

“Did you grow up with Mona too?”

A frown marred her pretty face. “No. I wasn’t as lucky. But anytime I’d come to visit my brothers, she would cook for us. After having a mother who counted every calorie, it was nice to have someone cook incredible meals without worrying about such things.” She suddenly stopped as if she hadn’t meant to share something so personal.

“She’s been terrific with Penelope.”

“Yes.” Kelsey suddenly grinned, looking over my shoulder. “Speak of the devil, or I should say angel?”

Mona walked in, her smile huge. “Kelsey, what a lovely surprise.”