“Are you going to eat one or simply stare at them?” Pen asks with her hands on her hips.
“They look delicious,” I say, snagging a couple and moving them across to a plate.
Lottie stands with her hands on her hips.
“You didn’t answer my question, Dad. What do you want?”
I stop my fork midway to my mouth.
Shit, I was miles away.
Lottie rolls her eyes again. This is becoming part of her teenage MO.
“Really, Dad, you need to listen. What toppings do you want on your pancakes?”
“What are my options, chef?” I ask, giving her my full attention.
She grins. “There’s fresh fruit, maple syrup, bacon, lemon, sugar, ice cream, cream.”
She continues to reel off the list she’s memorised.
“Bacon?” I ask
“Savoury pancakes,” she says, almost rolling her eyes.
“I think I’ll go with the fruit.”
“Excellent choice,” Pen whispers next to my ear, her breath sending shivers of awareness straight to my cock. I shift uncomfortably in my seat, and Pen smirks.
Lottie turns away, opening the large fridge door. I pull Pen forward and drop a kiss on her lips, releasing her as soon as Lottie turns back around.
“Oh, pl-ease,” she says, tutting.
“Sorry,” I say, making Pen laugh.
I’m passed the fruit, which I pile onto the pancakes. When I take a mouthful, I groan.
“These are delicious.”
Pen shoots me atold-you-solook, and Lottie looks pleased.
“What are you ladies doing today?” I ask.
I know Pen mentioned going shopping.
“We’re going to look for outfits for Granny’s birthday party.”
Pen and I haven’t discussed what we’re doing this year. Our relationship is still officially a secret. As she was due to be on her honeymoon, she was not going to attend this years party. Now, we’re going to need to be very careful, especially around my eagle-eyed siblings.
“That sounds like fun,” I say.
“You’re welcome to join us,” Pen says.
I notice her biting her lip and wonder if she thinks she’s overstepping. I hate to tell her Lottie has returned from Italy with more than enough dresses for this coming weekend and several others. This is more about my daughter wanting to build a new relationship with her, and I will not stand in her way.
Lottie and I are a pair. It’s as important Lottie is as comfortable with Pen and my relationship as I am, especially if we hope to have any future together.
My skin tingles at the thought.
