Page 173 of here

“Let me check the terms and conditions.” I shift to look at her properly. The morning light turns those brown eyes golden. “Ah, yes. One kiss required for premium pancake access.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Just one?”

“Per pancake.” I capture her lips, tasting her soft moan. “Though I might be willing to negotiate a bulk discount.”

“And what if I want waffles instead?”

“Ooh, now that’s a whole different contract.” I steal another quick kiss. “Much more complicated terms and conditions.”

“More complicated than pancakes?”

“Way more.” I run my hands up her thigh, rolling us around to have her on top of me. “Waffles require extensive paperwork. Multiple signatures. Possibly a notary.”

“A notary?” She grinds down on my dick. “For waffles?”

“I don’t make the rules, cupcake.” I grip her hips. “But I’m willing to start the application process right now.”

“And what’s step one of this application process?”

“Thorough inspection.” I flip us again, pinning her wrists above her head. “Need to make sure you meet all the requirements.”

She arches against me. “Such as?”

“Patience.” I nip at her collarbone. “You know what I love most?”

“That you get to make me breakfast?”

“That you’re asking for food.”

“Don’t make it a thing.” She fights my grip, stubborn as ever, even when we both know it’s useless.

Here, I thought we were making progress.

“Why not?” I ask.

The tiniest shake, her gaze lowering as if the words are too much to hold onto.

“Why can’t I be happy that you want to eat?” I ask.

Her silence speaks volumes. I release her wrists, propping myself up to really look at her.

“Because.” She traces patterns on my chest. “It stops being mine. It becomes a thing. A pressure. And then?—”

“And then it’s not about what you want anymore.” I thread our fingers together. “It’s about them. Like you’re letting them down if you can’t keep it up.”

She nods, still not meeting my gaze.

“Hey.” I tilt her chin up. “I’m not celebrating or making a big deal. I’m just happy. There’s a difference.”

“Is there?”

“Yeah.” I brush my thumb across her cheek. “Because I’m not expecting anything. You want pancakes? Great. You change your mind? Also fine. I’ll still be here, being impossibly charming either way.”

That gets me a small smile. Progress.

She buries herself back in my arms, her breath shaky against my skin. The pancakes can wait. I cup the back of her head and let my other hand rest on the small of her back.

Her voice is so faint it nearly slips past me. “It started in college.”

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