Page 123 of A Perfect Fit

“I want to watch you here.”

He chuckles. “Okay.”

After serving the waffles on two plates, Jackson adds maple syrup, strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream on top.

We grab cutlery and head to the kitchen island with our respective plates, taking our seats. I cut a piece of waffle and place it inside my mouth, my taste buds blessed with the soft and toasty flavor.

Anticipation lingers on Jackson’s face as he watches me chew. “How is it?”

“So good,” I say with a mouthful.

He’s an incredible chef. Though I’m not too surprised, given he is very good with his hands.

“I know.” A satisfied grin twists up his lips, and he takes a bite as well.

Jackson’s phone, which is on the kitchen island, starts ringing with an incoming FaceTime call. He glances at it. “It’s my mom. I forgot that we were going to have a call this morning.”

“Go have your call,” I say. “I’ll just be here, eating.”

He gets out of his seat. “I’ll be in my room if you need anything.”

I nod and watch as Jackson heads down the hallway. I take a few more bites of my waffles and then decide to use the bathroom. On my way there, I bypass Jackson’s bedroom. His door is open, and he’s thrown on a white cotton T-shirt and shorts, sitting at his desk as he FaceTimes his mom.

A smile forms on my face at the sight.

I’m about to keep walking ahead when his mom asks, “By the way, do you remember Georgie Baker?”

Who on Earth is that?

A frown forms on my face, and my feet are glued to the floor while I continue eavesdropping.

“I don’t think so,” Jackson replies.

I don’t think he’s noticed I’m standing at the door.

“You went to middle school together before her family moved to Canada. Her mom called me the other day to say Georgie will be visiting New York next month and asked if you’re single. She said she wanted your number, but I told her I’d have to ask you first …”

Bitterness clouds my mouth, replacing the delicious aftertaste of Jackson’s waffles.

That’s when Jackson turns to the door, looking like he’s trying to suppress a laugh as he notices me.

I glare at him.

Jackass.

“If you’re interested, I could set you two up for coffee?” his mom adds.

Hell no. Absolutely not. I’ll be damned if I allow Jackson to be set up with this Georgie person.

Jackson clears his throat and turns back to his call. “I see.” He sneaks another glance at me with a shit-eating grin on his face. “Well, tell Georgie’s mom that⁠—”

“He’s taken,” I blurt out, marching over to Jackson like a woman on a mission.

The smirk on his face reappears, like he’s enjoying watching me get all worked up.

“Oh, hey there!” Jackson’s mom beams at me. She has shoulder-length caramel hair and the same brown eyes as Jackson. “You’re Jackson’s … girlfriend?”

Guilt crashes me as I take in the aftermath of what I’ve just done. I peer at Jackson to gauge his reaction. I probably shouldn’t have crashed his call like that, but … too late now.