Page 129 of Mommy

But I couldn’t. I wasn’t equipped with the ability to hold grudges. The second there’s a chance for me to experience affection and intimacy, I’m a lost cause.

There is nothing that would be able to keep me from reaching out a desperate hand when there’s another pair of fingers waiting to intertwine with mine. No self respect left when there’s a possibility for me to feel loved.

For another minute I just lay there and listen to Derek downstairs.

I’m just out of the bathroom and back in bed, not sure if I want to join Derek down in the kitchen, when I hear him. Steps that quietly make their way up the stairs.

He’s shirtless, only wearing grey joggers, and in his hands he carries a tray. On top are a plate and two steaming cups.

“Good morning, Beautiful.”

There’s a faint smile on his lips and sleep is still hiding in the tussled blonde hair on top of his head.

“Morning.” I murmur back, watching as Derek makes his way into the room. He’s coming over to my side of the bed, and I sit up against the headboard. “Breakfast in bed?”

He shrugs one huge shoulder.

“I thought it was about time. Can I join you?”

I nod, scootching over into the middle of the bed to make room for Derek.

Balancing the tray, he waits for me to hold up the blanket before he gets under it and places the tray on his lap.

For the first time, I really look at what’s on the plate and my mouth waters.

“You made pancakes?”

I expected the usual scrambled eggs, but this is miles better.

“Yes, but I didn’t know how you like them, so I made apple-cinnamon, chocolate chip and regular. You can have maple syrup, fruit or caramel sauce on top.”

My mouth falls open.

I honestly didn’t know there were multiple kinds of pancakes. I thought there was just the regular one with maple syrup, but… apparently I was wrong.

The wafts of steam that come from the cup and the food mix in the air and make me almost dizzy with hunger. But my eyes search for something else.

“Where is my water?”

Derek’s brows rise.

“I thought you wouldn’t want one.”

Now my eyebrows rise.

“Was that ever optional?”

Ever since I stayed over for the first time, Derek has made me drink water first thing in the morning. No exceptions.

“Well…” he splutters and I can’t help but giggle.

“Could I have some water, please?”

Derek nods, but doesn’t get up. I expected him to get back downstairs or at least to the bathroom, but instead he leans down the side of the bed. I can hear the rattling of the drawer.

Giving me a smile, he hands me a water bottle.

“Here you go, Love.”