Page 43 of Whisper Sweet Nothings
And that would certainly complicate everything.
He couldn’t even look at me after Melody had come out and stopped things before they’d gone too far.
I stood at the stove flipping pancakes as holiday music piped through Alexa. I’d gotten Melody dressed in the cutest reindeer costume this morning, and her hair was tied up in two little buns with red bows tied around each one.
Today was the final day before holiday break at Melody’s school.
Personally, I couldn’t wait for a break from her grouchy teacher.
Melody and I had baked cupcakes for the party and brought them this morning.
“Winnie, are you excited to see me be a real live reindeer on the stage today?” she asked from where she sat at the table, munching on fruit while I prepared her breakfast.
“I cannot wait to see you in the play today. You feel good about all your lines, right?” I plated the food, wondering where Archer was.
I had this sinking feeling he was going to be uncomfortable around me now.
“Yeppers. We practiced so much,” she said, smiling up at me when I set her plate down, and her eyes grew wide. “Are those reindeer pancakes?”
“It’s a special day today to be a reindeer, right?” I teased.
“Good morning.” Archer’s deep voice boomed as he came around the corner. He paused to kiss Melody’s cheek, then moved past me to pour his cup of coffee.
He didn’t meet my gaze, which was definitely not the norm.
So, he clearly regretted the near kiss.
I turned to pour the syrup over Melody’s pancakes and felt my cheeks heat with embarrassment.
What was I doing? I’d sworn off men, and here I was nearly kissing the man I worked for.
“Are those reindeers?” he asked as he stood behind me and leaned over my shoulder to check out her pancakes.
I quickly moved out of the way. “Yes. It’s a big day today.”
I set plates down for Archer and myself with just regular pancakes.
“I don’t get reindeer pancakes?” he asked, and now his gaze locked with mine, and I saw something there that I couldn’t put my finger on.
Guilt? Maybe shame or disappointment.
Either way, there was no doubt that the near kiss was a massive mistake.
One I’d make sure I wouldn’t repeat again.
“Well, you’re not a reindeer in the school play today, are you?” I asked, forcing a smile.
“Fair enough.” He winked at Melody and took a few bites of pancakes before abruptly pushing to his feet. “Are you still okay taking Melody to school this morning?”
He’d asked a few days ago if I’d be able to take her today, as he was going to get to the office early so he could take a half day to attend her play.
“Yes, of course.” I forked a bite of fluffy goodness and popped it in my mouth.
“Great.” He kissed his daughter’s cheek. “I’ll see you both at school in a few hours.”
“I can’t wait for you to see me up there on the stage, Daddy,” Melody said over a mouthful of pancake.
“Me either. Love you, angel face.” He slipped his coat on, since it was cold as hell outside now, and then turned to me. “Thank you, Winnie.”
