Page 109 of A Perfect Fit

“Of course.” Karl nods. “Well, I’ll see you both downstairs.”

Once Karl leaves, Isabelle closes the door, turning to me. “You’ll stay for breakfast, right?”

“Absolutely.” I grin. “I’m not one to turn down free food.”

And now I probably sound like Aaron. No complaints, though.

Isabelle and I change into our clothes from yesterday, then head to the dining room, taking our seats next to each other. Karl and Jane are already seated and diving into breakfast. Plates of fluffy blueberry pancakes with strawberry jam are placed on the table, the warm and sweet scents of the food filling the air.

“Good morning,” Jane says, greeting us with a nod. “Please help yourselves.”

Isabelle meets Jane’s gaze. “Morning, Mom. This looks delicious.”

“Thank you again for the hospitality,” I add.

I’m still pissed about Jane’s words at dinner last night, but I won’t bring it up again as long as she doesn’t say anything else hurtful to Isabelle.

“You’re welcome.” Jane places her fork down, turning to Isabelle. “Isabelle, I remember you like pancakes with strawberry jam the best.”

Isabelle’s lips part slightly, like she’s surprised her mom remembered. “Oh, yeah.” She glances around. “Is Ivy joining us for breakfast?”

“She left early,” Karl says. “I don’t think she slept well last night.”

I can’t find an ounce of sympathy within me at hearing that. I would’ve offered to sleep on the couch last night, but I didn’t trust Ivy to be alone with Isabelle without saying shit to her.

Jane clears her throat, facing Isabelle again and fiddling with her fork. “Isabelle, your designs … are there any that would suit a teenager? I’m thinking I could get something for a friend’s daughter’s birthday.”

Isabelle goes still in her seat, like she can’t believe her mom’s asking. I’m glad Jane is at least trying to make an effort—something she should’ve started doing long ago. Though I suppose now is better than never.

“Yeah, for sure,” Isabelle finally says. “Maybe I could show you a few designs?”

Jane nods. “That would be great.”

Isabelle smiles. “Awesome.”

After breakfast, Isabelle and I take turns using the bathroom to brush our teeth, with her going first. When I’m done, I head back to the guest bedroom, finding Isabelle also inside, sitting on the edge of the bed as she checks her phone.

She glances up at me, putting her phone away. “Hi. Long time no see.”

“Hey.” I chuckle, closing the door. “I know, right?”

Isabelle stands and walks over to me. She fiddles with her fingers. “I … I wanted to talk to you after last night.”

“Is something wrong?” I ask, feeling tightness encapsulate my chest.

“No,” she says, shaking her head. “I just wanted to tell you …” There’s a pause as her gaze lingers on my lips, and then she stands on her tiptoes, crashing her lips against mine.

My eyes widen with surprise, but that’s quickly overtaken by the pure need that fills me as I close my eyes and savor her soft lips, tipping up her chin for better access. A groan rattles in my throat. I can still taste faint remnants of strawberry jam on her lips. Deepening the kiss, my tongue seeks entry into her mouth, earning another needy moan from her.

Kissing Isabelle is something I’ll never get tired of.

She’s everything to me. Everything.

I’m a complete and utter goner for her.

When we break apart, Isabelle’s pink lipstick is all smudged, and her lips are slightly swollen.

Isabelle takes a deep breath. “Before I kissed you just then, I was going to say … I want to take that leap of faith.”