Page 41 of The Summer Plans

RJ smiles, his dimple popping as he places the tray in front of me. “For what it’s worth, you have nothing to be embarrassed about. You look beautiful.” He pushes off the bed, leaning down to give me a kiss on the forehead before straightening. “And if you’re still hungry after that, I’d be happy to give you something else. You deserve to be full and happy on your special day.”

I blink at him in confusion before my dream admission hits me and my mouth drops open. “I…”

“Feel free to eat in bed, read your book, take a bath, whatever you want. I’ve got the kids.” He slowly backs out of the room, smirk in place, dimple taunting me as I gape at him.

Did that really just happen?

Once the door closes, I stare at the food like it’s offended me. Tentatively, I take a bite of the pancakes and groan. They’re perfect. I take three more bites before I reach for my phone. There are dozens of missed texts, but I open my thread with Raven.

Did you put him up to this?

Morning, sleepyhead!!!

Happy birthday!!!

Why are you using so many exclamation points? You never use that many. Does Bella have your phone?

It’s me. I figured your birthday was cause for extra excited punctuation.

Did you tell RJ it was my birthday?

Why?

Raven!

Is he being a dick?

No, he’s being really nice and it’s freaking me out.

Isn’t this what you wanted?

I wanted a nice relaxing vacation.

Then why do you keep asking about him?

What do you mean?

Ever since he moved back, you keep asking about RJ.

Fuck. Was I that obvious? I thought I was being subtle.

No I don’t.

Denial isn’t just a river in Egypt.

What?

Yeah, I think that only works out loud. Like Bella’s terrible penguin joke.

Are you the reason he made me my favorite breakfast in bed?

So that’s a yes.

You don’t want breakfast in bed?

Not from your brother.

It was from me. He was the messenger.