“Thank you,” I said.
He gave me a grin before leaving the kitchen, his footsteps fading down the hall.
Which left me alone with Tobias.
And breakfast.
Breakfast Tobias had made.
Tobias’s breakfast.
I still couldn’t quite get past that part.
“Sit,” he said, gesturing toward the table.
So I sat.
The chair was ridiculously comfortable, because apparently even kitchen chairs in this house had to feel luxurious. I set my bag carefully beside my feet and tried not to look too obviously overwhelmed as Tobias took the seat across from me.
For a few seconds, neither of us spoke.
Outside the glass, the ocean moved endlessly against the cliffs, throwing light across the kitchen until it caught on the rim of Tobias’s glasses.
I picked up my fork.
“This looks really good,” I said.
“I hope it is acceptable.”
I glanced up at him.
There was no teasing in his voice.
He meant it.
And for some reason, that made me really want to enjoy it.
I took a bite before I could think too hard about it. The eggs were warm and soft, the herbs bright enough to cut through the richness, and I made an unfortunately pleased sound before I could stop myself.
Tobias went very still.
I swallowed quickly, barely avoiding choking. “Sorry,” I blurted, mortified. “That was weird.”
“It wasn’t,” Tobias said, although he didn’t meet my eyes.
Ugh, fuck.
“It was a little weird…” I whispered.
“It was informative.”
I stared at him.
He took a measured sip of coffee, then stated, “You like it.”
I laughed then, because I couldn’t help it. “Yeah,” I admitted. “I like it.”
Something about his expression changed. Not much, but just enough for me to notice. It almost looked like… satisfaction? Dare I say happiness?
