I refocus on the pancakes, and the nervous rumbling in my gut continues to grow. I want him to like them as much as I wanted him to like my cupcakes. But now, knowing Sebastian's health history and why he is how he is, something makes me really want him to like these. It doesn't seem fair that he has to worry so much and not enjoy food like the rest of his family does. And maybe he's a bit overboard, but I can't blame him for not wanting to risk his health.

Perhaps I shouldn't be doing anything nice for him after what happened last night. Especially since I woke up with his body wrapped around mine. Against my better judgment, I almost stayed there.

Almost.

But my resolve to not let Sebastian use me won. I quietly snuck out, knowing if I stayed, there was a good chance of something happening when he woke up. It wasn't easy to turn him down last night, but he made it clear sex doesn't mean anything to him. The last thing I need is to get caught up in an affair with Sebastian Cartwright, just to get tossed aside. I already know that come January 2nd, he'll be done with me.

Still, I couldn't resist attempting to figure out how to make him his favorite breakfast when I heard he loves pancakes but never eats them anymore. It seemed cruel, so I set out on a mission.

Now, it's the moment of truth.

Sebastian takes his fork and knife in his hands, cuts the stack of pancakes, and pours the syrup over it. Then he takes a bite.

Time stands still as he chews. My chest tightens, and I don't even realize I'm holding my breath.

He finally looks at me, announcing, "These are incredible."

"Yay." I clap.

The girls jump up and down, shrieking.

I laugh, telling them, "We did it."

"Seriously, how did you make these?" Sebastian inquires and shoves more into his mouth.

"As I said, it's my secret," I chirp, then go back to the counter and start to clean up the mess. The counter's a disaster zone, and not like when I bake. I usually clean up as I do each step, but Isabella and Emma had a blast helping me. I didn't want to interrupt their fun.

"I know the secret," Isabella taunts and sits down next to Sebastian.

He leans into her, demanding, "Tell me what it is."

She shakes her head. "Nope. Georgia told us we had to take it to our graves."

"Are we dying soon?" Emma asks.

"No, of course not," I say, horrified at the thought.

She giggles. "Okay. That's good. Isabella, let's go play dolls."

"All right." Isabella jumps up, and she and Emma run out of the room.

"Are you going to eat?" Sebastian asks.

"I already did," I inform him.

"Did you eat these?" he asks.