In My Rearview Mirror, JACK.HUGHES

TWENTY NINE

Morgan's pov

"Chocolate on your pancakes, huh?" says Jack, clearly making fun of my choice of topping.

As I spread my chocolate on the giant pancake that Jack and I made together a couple of minutes earlier.

"What else would you put on your pancakes?" I ask him, clearly clueless. I watch him get up all excited and take a preserved can still not open in his pantry. "Ah, maple syrup. It's kind of meh," I tell him, showing a face of disgust.

He hands me the can, freshly opened by him. "No, tell me this, you're making my old Canadian self mad. This one is from Quebec; Cole gave it to me last time he came to town," he says, fully excited for me to try it.

I pour a generous amount of real maple syrup onto my spoon, skeptical of trying it. As I put the spoon in my mouth, Jack patiently waits for my reaction. I can't help but giggle at the fact that I have to admit it tastes different, and it's really good.

With a surprised expression, I find myself savoring the unique sweetness of the maple syrup. The rich, natural flavor unfolds on my taste buds, and I can't deny that it adds a delightful touch to the pancake. Jack grins, clearly satisfied with my reaction.

"See? Told you it's something special, eh" he says, enjoying my newfound appreciation. 

Jack eagerly grabs the can, pouring a satisfying amount of the maple syrup onto his pancakes. The rich amber liquid cascades down, enhancing the visual appeal of his breakfast. With a contented sigh, he takes a bite, savoring the combination of flavors.

"Mmm, there's nothing quite like the taste of real maple syrup," Jack remarks, a grin on his face as he enjoys the breakfast we prepared. 

After our kiss last night, we spent some time talking, delving into a discussion about my upcoming move to a new apartment in Brooklyn. It excited me to share the details with him, and he seemed genuinely happy to hear that I was taking on this new adventure solo. 

He expressed his relief when I found myself in his bed, and I must say, it was a great way to end the night. This morning, as I woke up, my hair was all tangled up, a visible reminder of the passion we shared with each other. 

The previous night had been filled with intimacy, and oddly enough, it felt right. I experienced a feeling that I hadn't felt in a long time, making the moment linger in my thoughts as I reflected on the connection we had rediscovered. 

The experience was sweet and almost felt like love, but I can't bring myself to admit it. It was undeniably enjoyable, and in that moment, we reconnected on a level that felt both comforting and intimate. The night served as a reminder of the connection we shared, leaving me in contemplation about what it meant for the future. 

 I understand that we won't talk about it, and oddly enough, I don't mind. There's no lingering remorse within me, and it feels like a breath of fresh air. This morning, we simply acted like friends, as if nothing out of the ordinary happened. We both agreed to keep it between us, maintaining our privacy. 

Whether it's to preserve the moment or to avoid it reaching Braden's ears, I'm not quite sure. Regardless, it wouldn't change anything between us. The unspoken agreement to keep it discreet seems to add a layer of understanding to our connection, allowing us to move forward without the weight of expectations or complications.

"I have a practice this afternoon," he says, swallowing a bite of his breakfast. "And then, tomorrow we're heading to Vegas. We'll be facing the Knights and the Ducks," he adds, rolling his eyes at the mention of the Knights.