Free Walking on Sunshine: A Sweet Love Story (Seasons of Love Book 1) by Krista Lakes, Darla York Page B

me laugh and preen just a little. “I got you some coffee on my way. I was stopping and thought you would like some and...”
    He trailed off, then handed me the coffee before stepping into the house. Compliments and gifts from a sexy guy. This day was already shaping up to be the best Monday in the history of ever.
    “Ben's still sleeping,” I told him, closing the door behind him as Cee hurried into the house. “He wanted to stay up and watch this old dinosaur movie with me. I figured he didn't have school today, so...”
    I trailed off, suddenly worried that I might have upset Cee's plans with Ben.
    “That's fine.” Cee grinned. “I used to love it whenever my mom let me stay up late. Besides, you and Ben come first.”
    “Oh.” I was struck at how different Cee and my ex-husband were. Richard would have berated me. Even if he didn't have plans with Ben, Richard would have made a big deal about how I had upset him. It was a welcome change to have someone trust my judgment about my son.
    “Do you want some breakfast?” Cee asked, rubbing the stubble on his chin. “I mean, for you and Ben?”
    “That would be great,” I stammered, suddenly nervous. It was just breakfast. Cee made breakfast for us everyday. I had no reason to suddenly be nervous about being alone with Cee. But we usually had Ben as a buffer.
    “What would you like? French toast? Pancakes?” Cee asked. He moved through the kitchen, pulling out pans and bowls. He looked so comfortable there. So right.
    “Pancakes would be great,” I answered. “Can I help?”
    “Sure.” Cee grinned at me. “If you'll grab the eggs and the milk, I'll start mixing everything together.”
    I went to the fridge and pulled out the eggs and a gallon of milk, turning slowly to watch Cee as he rummaged in the pantry for the flour and sugar. He moved so smoothly that it was intoxicating to watch him. He turned and caught my gaze, and I quickly turned bright red at being caught.
    “Here,” I offered, putting the milk on the counter as if I hadn't just been staring at him.
    “Thanks,” he murmured, grinning at my obvious red face. “Will you grab the spatula? It should be in the drawer over there.”
    I turned and went to the drawer, searching for the plastic spatula that I knew he preferred. The idea that I knew which of my spatulas he preferred made me pause. It was so comfortable to have him here. So right. A tightness, a longing that I couldn't control was growing in my chest.
    “I found it,” I announced, turning around just as Cee stepped back with the bowl full of batter. We collided, and the batter went flying into the air.
    I watched as the bowl fell in slow motion and splattered all over my dress.
    “Oh, Jes, I'm so sorry.” Cee stared at my ruined outfit. Not even the top had been spared. He grabbed a towel from the counter and tried to brush some of the batter from my shoulder. So much for my hot outfit.
    “It's fine,” I said, catching his hand in mine. He was so warm and strong beneath my fingers. And close. For the briefest moment, I considered kissing him. It felt like I could, like this could be our moment.
    He reached toward my face and my breath hitched in my lungs. His violet eyes locked on mine and I forgot how to breathe. His strong hands caressed my cheek and I nearly melted into a puddle of desire. “You have batter on your face.”
    “Oh,” I whimpered, hating the way my voice came out heated and full of desire. I cleared my throat. His fingers stroked my cheek and it took all that I had not to lean into him and beg for more.
    There was a small sound behind me and he pulled away as if burned by my touch.
    “Mom?” Ben's voice filled the kitchen and I knew why Cee had stepped back. “What happened?”
    “We had a little accident,” Cee informed him, his voice deeper and richer than I remembered. “So, now we're having French Toast. Will you go grab the bread from the counter, please?”
    “Sure.” Ben looked at me for a