Between The Lines

Chapter 81: Chocolate chips and Nutella on Pancakes

Third Person:

Reluctantly, Lane let her go so they could freshen up and prepare breakfast. They headed to the bathroom, and Lane handed her a toothbrush and some toothpaste. As they brushed their teeth side by side, she couldn't help but notice the sheer size of the bathroom. It was larger than her entire room back at home, and the sight of the tiles left her in awe.

"This place is huge," she murmured, her voice muffled by the toothbrush.

Lane chuckled, spitting out his toothpaste. "Yeah, it's pretty spacious."

Finishing up, she tentatively turned on the shower, letting out a small gasp as the warm water cascaded over her hand. Lane watched her with a concerned look, sensing the mix of emotions that flickered across her face. She remembered the countless times she had to use a bucket in the shower, the cold water and the loud arguments of her parents echoing in her mind. Her smile dropped, and she quickly turned off the water, trying to shake off the memories.

"I'm hungry," she said, forcing a smile as she turned back to him. "Let's go make breakfast."

Lane nodded, still watching her closely as they headed downstairs to the kitchen. She tried to appear brave, but he could sense the unease lingering beneath her facade. Determined to help her feel better, he decided to offer a bit of lighthearted distraction.

As she focused on melting butter in the pot, preparing to pour the pancake batter, Lane moved quietly behind her. She was intently watching the butter, so engrossed that she didn't notice him sneaking up. He pressed his chest against her back, and she let out a small gasp of surprise.

"I've got this," she said, her voice a mix of determination and nervousness.

"Okay," Lane replied, his tone playful. But he didn't move away. Instead, he leaned in closer, his breath warm against her neck.

She tried to concentrate on the task at hand, but Lane's presence was impossible to ignore. He gently teased her waist with his hands, his lips brushing against her neck. Her breath hitched, and she struggled to keep her composure.

"Lane," she protested weakly, her hands trembling as she poured the pancake batter into the pot.

"You're doing great," he whispered, his voice laced with amusement.

She blushed furiously, her cheeks matching the heat of the pan. "You're not helping."

Lane chuckled softly, his lips trailing up to her ear. "Maybe I'm trying to distract you."

"Well, it's working," she admitted, her voice shaky.

He pressed a kiss to her temple, his hands roaming gently along her sides. "Good. You need to relax."

She let out a small sigh, her tension slowly melting away under his touch. "I'm trying."

"Just focus on the pancakes," he said, his voice soothing. "I've got you."

She managed a small smile, feeling a bit more at ease. As she flipped the pancake, Lane continued to press soft kisses to her neck, his hands never leaving her waist. It was both distracting and comforting, and she found herself leaning into him, enjoying the closeness.

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The cozy kitchen was filled with the aroma of freshly made pancakes and warm chocolate, creating a comforting and homely atmosphere. Lane's eyes never left her as he chewed on his pancake, the concern evident on his face. He took a deep breath, deciding to address the elephant in the room.

"So, uh... about your parents..." Lane started, his voice gentle yet probing.

She paused mid-bite, the fork hovering in the air. Her eyes flickered with a mix of surprise and discomfort, but she quickly masked it with a forced smile. "What about them?" she asked, trying to sound nonchalant as she took a sip of the hot chocolate he had made for her.