I laugh and poke Tobias. “Did your dad tell you that joke? Because it’s such a dad joke.”
Skyler giggles.
“Yes, ma’am.” Tobias grins, and slides his arm around me, pulling me to him. I melt into him. Having his arms around me feels like being wrapped in comfort and security. This is what heaven is, I’m sure of it. Being wrapped in the arms of someone you love.
The thought startles me. Do I love Tobias? I’ve only known him a little over a week. Can a person fall in love that fast? But even as that question forms in my mind, I know it’s possible, because I’m pretty sure Iamin love with Tobias. He’s so kindhearted, attentive, and gentle. He’s a great father to Skyler. He splays his hand across my back and my breath hitches.
He leans over and gives me a quick kiss before letting me go and turning back to his pancake. Butterflies erupt inside of me. I thought I loved Randy, but he never made me feel this way. I had a crush on Randy. With Tobias, it’s the real thing. It’s new and dizzying to think about.
Micah walks in slinging his backpack over his shoulder. “Wish me luck on my physics test.”
“Good luck,” Tobias and I say at the same time.
Micah rolls his eyes but a hint of a smile tells me he thought it was funny. “You guys are corny.”
Tobias nudges my arm. “That’s better than lame.”
“I’ll take it.” I hold out a strip of bacon. “Did you get anything to eat?”
He raises his hand. “No thanks. Too greasy for me.”
My jaw drops as I put the bacon strip back. “You don’t like bacon? Is there a person on earth who doesn’t like bacon?”
“I know,” Tobias says. “It’s weird. I think there’s something wrong with him.”
Micah scoffs.
“At least grab some yogurt or something.” I walk to the fridge and open it. “Here, you like strawberry banana.” I toss it to him.
“Yes, mother.” His words drip with sarcasm.
Skyler giggles as she climbs up one of the bar stools. “Kiki’s not your mother.”
Micah grins at her. “She’s not?”
“Nope.” Skyler shakes her head.
“Well darn. Maybe, though, she might become?—”
“Micah,” Tobias says, cutting him off. “Don’t.”
My face heats, but I try not to let it bother me.
Micah grins as he grabs a spoon and heads out the back door. “I was going to say, ‘your friend.’ That’s all. See you later.”
Tobias slides the last pancake onto the stack and shuts off the burner. “Sorry about that. My brothers think it’s incredibly funny to tease me.”
“It’s all right. They’re cute.”
He takes a step toward me. “I think you’re cute,” he says, his voice low.
His phone rings, and he picks it up from the counter.
“This is Tobias.”
I pull a pancake off the stack and get it ready for Skyler. “Eat your breakfast,” I whisper.
She stabs a pancake square and stuffs it into her mouth. Some syrup drips onto her chin and she tries to lick it off with her tongue. I don’t know why, but it’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen, and I have to stifle a laugh.
