Do Us Part

52. "Old flames"

Chapter 52

Natalie

I groaned heavily as I turned in my bed. I yawned and opened my eyes slightly, attempting to reach out for my phone on my side table as I always do every morning, but then, as I suddenly remembered last night, my eyes widened and I sat up properly.

Oh, damn it. What did I do?

Ah, classic Natalie. getting emotional and thirsty for your ex.

Wait. Where is he?

With the belief that he has left, I sigh in relief. Thank goodness. I really cannot bear the morning-after awkwardness.

But just then, I heard a sudden sound from outside my door. I pushed the blanket aside, and after putting on my satin gown and slippers, I went outside the room to find out the source of the noise.

My heart skipped a beat, and I was taken aback to see that he was there. He wasn't gone as I had thought. Instead, he was cooking in my kitchen.

"Hey." He flashes a boyish smile as he held my gaze. "Good morning." He says again, then winks and my heart did a summersault. Then, he continued frying. Watching him fry the pancakes brought back memories of after we moved in together.

On occasion, especially on weekends, I would walk in and see him cooking. He always seemed so happy and excited, like a kid, while he was doing it, and it made me so happy. Even when he's not cooking, I stare at him from a distance, admiring my hunk of a man. Looking at him now, I was convinced that the bright and beautiful man I had fallen in love with was still there.

I remembered how wonderful last night's lovemaking session was. His hands, lips, and entire body did everything right for me. It could not have been more ideal. Calm down my heart. Yesterday was a mistake, and we are both adults so no dwelling on the past as far as this is concerned.

"Are you hungry?" He asks, bringing me out of my thoughts. I didn't hear what he said.

"Hmm?" I questioned.

"I made pancakes. Crispy like you have 'em. Do you wanna eat before we go to work?"

Right. Work. Today is a work day, not a weekend where I get to lounge around and wallow in deep embarrassment.
Oh just kill me already.

"Natalie.."

"Yea?"

"Pancakes." He gestures towards the table he had now set. I was going to refuse, citing an excuse for him to leave so I can get ready for work and take a moment to myself,  but then, I saw my favorite syrup, and the delicious aroma of the Pancakes filled my senses.
Unable to resist, I nod at him and sat for breakfast. "Thank you," I said, and he winked at me again. I hid my smile as I looked away to focus on my food.

_____

As Sam and I walked in together, many people greeted us as usual, but what was unusual was that he was shamelessly walking in the clothes he wore the night before, and that we were walking in together.

He was going to go home to change after breakfast, while I went to the office, but then we got a message from Amanda, who called for an emergency meeting when our plates were barely in the sink. I could feel people's eyes on the back of my head. I sighed and stared at Sam as we entered the elevator but worried me more was Sam.