I transferred one onto another plate and spooned some of the toppings over it. I cut into the golden perfection and tried a bite. I stifled a moan. The exquisite texture, the magnificent flavor... It was divine.
I closed my eyes to savor the moment. “Mmm.”
“I gather you like them?” Sebastian’s voice dripped satisfaction.
I nodded, slowly opening my eyes. He was sitting with his forearms propped on the table, waiting for a verdict.
I swallowed reverently. “You have a hidden talent, neighbor. These are pretty good.”
He grinned, showing off his perfect teeth. A brush of stubble covered his jaw. His eyes were as soft as velvet. He looked pleased with himself.
“Glad you like them,” he said. “I’ll have to make you dinner, so I can properly show off my cooking skills.”
I forked another bite, chewing slowly, savoring the sweetness. As the crispy waffle danced across my tastebuds, it hit me.
My eyes widened. “Oh, my God. These taste just like my dad’s waffles.”
Sebastian gave me a soft smile. “He gave me the recipe. He even told me his secret ingredient: a spoonful of ricotta cheese, to make them creamier.”
My throat tightened. My father had shared his prized recipe with Sebastian. I knew my dad had liked Sebastian, but sharing his waffle recipe was a vote of trust and respect. For a moment, the sweet, special taste teleported me back in time to happier days, when my dad and I were a team, and I’d had no idea I was going to lose him so soon.
“Are you okay?” Sebastian’s gentle voice jarred me back to the present.
Embarrassment warmed my cheeks. I nodded, hoping to hide my face.
“Sure. I was just … It took me by surprise. Since I’m a crappy cook, I never cared enough to ask Dad for the recipe. I thought he’d always be here to make me waffles.”
I tapped out a random tune on the table, my fingers restless. Sebastian reached out and touched them. I stilled, my eyes moving to his hand covering mine.
“I’m happy to make you waffles whenever you want.” He squeezed my hand slightly. “I think your dad would approve. I miss him. He was almost like the father I no longer have.”
I lifted my head. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t aware that you lost your dad too.”
He looked stuck for a moment, as though he hadn’t realized he’d been speaking aloud. His lips were parted in silent debate.
After a moment, he nodded. “My parents died in a car crash when I was fifteen. My sister, Janine, was twenty-one. She raised me, and God knows it wasn’t easy. But she never abandoned me.”
There was something overwhelming in his tone, as though he was trying to hide a wound, to keep it buried deep inside.
I struggled for words. “I’m so sorry, Sebastian. Losing your parents at such a young age must’ve been awful. I’m glad you had your sister. She must be one hell of a woman.”
His expression softened as though he were looking back in time at private and cherished memories. “Oh, yeah. She’s a criminal defense attorney at one of the top firms in the city. I’m really proud of her. If she hadn’t taken custody of me, I would have ended up in foster care. She’s my only family.” He grinned. “She taught me how to cook. She still lectures me on how to make a woman happy.”
“And did you learn?” I teased.
His gaze met mine, turning serious. He reached across the table and covered my hand with his again. “Maybe you’ll give me the chance to show you one day.”
Chapter Five
Sebastian
She lifted her head to study me, her gaze intent on mine. My heart did a funny flip in my chest. Her skin felt warm and reassuring against mine.
Slowly, she slid her hand from under mine, shoving her damp hair away from her face.
Her smile was awkward as she changed the subject. “What else can you cook?”
I shrugged, leaning back casually in my chair. “You name it, I can cook it—or I’ll find out how to do it. What do you like?”
