“Thank you.” I blush.
He gives me a wink. “Anytime, sweetie.”
Eli is sitting at the island on a stool. “Aunt Lindsey, you have to try these pancakes. They’re so good.”
He takes a big bite and chews with his mouth wide open. I laugh. “Close your mouth when you chew, little man.”
He cheekily opens his mouth and then laughs before closing his mouth, chews, and swallows.
I look at the clock on the wall. “We’re going to have to leave soon. You need to finish up and go brush your teeth.”
He takes a big swig of orange juice, carries his plate and cup to the sink, thanks Miller for the pancakes, and then runs up the stairs. “Don’t run,” I remind him.
And he listens. He slows down until he’s upstairs and then runs again.
I turn to Miller. “Thank you for getting him up, getting him ready, and everything. I swear I’m more responsible than this.”
He puts a plate of pancakes down in front of me. “You needed your sleep.”
I look at the pancakes, and my stomach growls. “Those look so good, but I’m going to have to get on the road or else he’s going to be late.”
Miller runs his hand across his face. “There’s something I need to talk to you about.”
I tense. How can I not? “Okay…”
He stands across from me, his back against the counter, his legs crossed at the ankles. “I’m sending Mike with Eli to school.”
My mouth drops. “What? Why would you do that? Do you think the Davenportswould?—”
He comes toward me and puts a hand on my shoulder. “I really don’t know what they’re capable of, but why chance it when we can ensure his safety?”
I blurt out, “But the principal is not just going to let some man hang out all day at the school.”
He crosses his arms over his chest. “Yes, she will. Besides the fact I used to date Principal Carter, I also made a big donation to the school yesterday. Mike passes all background checks, and he’s a former Seal. He’s the perfect one to keep Eli safe.” He puts his hands up. “But you tell me. You make the call. If this is not something you want, we can do it your way.”
I would be crazy to not take him up on this. I’m constantly worried about Eli, and he’s offering a way to keep him safe. “Okay, yes, please.”
Eli comes running down the stairs. “Did you ask her?” he asks Miller.
Miller blushes. “I talked to Eli about this first thing this morning and then realized I should have talked to you first. I’m sorry.” He puts a hand to his chest. “I’m still learning.”
Eli is practically vibrating. “Please, Aunt Lindsey?”
I put a hand on the top of his head. “Yes, Mike will be going to school with you. But you need to behave and pay attention and do your work.”
He nods his head vigorously. “I will. I promise.”
He hugs me around the waist and then hugs Miller.
With a hand on Eli’s shoulder, Miller says sheepishly, “Uh, Mike is outside waiting.”
I blurt out a laugh. “I guess you knew I’d say yes?”
He leans in and kisses me on the cheek. “I knew you’d want him safe.”
After telling Eli bye, Miller walks him outside to Mike. I sit down and take a bite of the pancakes. They’re fluffy, buttery, and perfect. I moan with one bite. The man is handsome, protective, and he can cook. I’m in heaven.
Shortly, Miller walks back into the house. He’s wearing a T-shirt and shorts, and right now, he doesn’t look anything like the stuffy billionaire I took pictures of when I first met him.
