Page 42 of Let Me Love You

Summer bounces with excitement. “Mommy, can I try yours now?”

I shrug. Might as well let her eat them warm so Sully doesn’t completely blow me out of the water. I plop one of my pancakes onto her plate and cut it into small triangles. But with mine, I give her a little bit of syrup.

She takes her first bite and says, “I like Sully’s more!”

I slump forward and smack my face. “But you’ve always loved mine.”

“That was before Grandpa Sully made me some.”

Turning back to Victor, I ask, “What do you think?”

“Sully’s has great flavor and a good texture.” He points to my platter. “Can I try one of yours?”

I sigh and grab my spatula. Scooping one onto Victor’s plate, I sit down and watch as he cuts off a piece and takes a bite. He chews and chews without saying anything. Sully and I lean closer, waiting for an answer.

Once Victor finally swallows it, he says, “I say Serenity is the winner.”

Sully groans and says, “That’s not fair. He’s cheating to woo you.”

I laugh, unable to stop the noise from bubbling out. “Maybe he really likes mine more.”

“No, I’ve spent years perfecting mine,” Sully says, motioning to the batter-splattered counters. “I make mine from scratch, and yours is from a box.”

I throw my head back and laugh. My whole body shakes, and tears spring to my eyes. “Oh, calm down. You’re right. Victor said he’d say mine was better just to make me happy.”

Sully turns to me, relief flickering across his face. “Really?”

“Yes. So, stop fussing over your perfect recipe.”

He turns to Victor. “Is what she’s saying true?”

Victor holds his hands up in front of himself. “I’m not getting in the middle of this.”

“Oh, stop torturing the man,” I say, slapping Victor gently on the shoulder. I regret it immediately because wow, these muscles. When does he have the time to go to a gym when he’s running a multi-billion-dollar company?

“I’m serious, but maybe it’s because you made them and I’m partial to you.”

My cheeks heat, and I pull away. Grabbing my platter, I turn to place it on the counter. I need space from him. After last night, I really shouldn’t have invited him in, but he rushed all the way here to make sure everything was okay.

How did I ever think this man was horrible?

Maybe because I have trust issues after my husband.

“Summer, how about you help me clean up?” Sully asks from behind me.

“Yay!” Summer squeals. “Can I lick the spoon?”

He runs his fingers through his gray peppered hair. “No, no, I put eggs in my batter.”

Everything about this morning feels so natural, including having Victor, who seamlessly fits in with our crazy bunch.

“I’ll be right back,” I say without turning around and rush out into the living room. Sully’s spacious kitchen felt like it was closing in around us.

Gentle footsteps follow behind me. “What’s wrong?”

I pause when I reach the stairs. There’s no time for beating around the bush. I don’t look at him as I say, “Having you here feels like too much.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”