Single Dad’s Boss Woke Up in His Guest Room—Wearing Only His Shirt…-hongtran

Whatever happened with his boss, he would protect this, his daughter’s happiness, their little world together.
The coffee maker beeped, and Jake poured himself a cup, taking a long sip before setting to work on breakfast. He had just poured the first pancake onto the griddle when he heard it.
The unmistakable sound of the guest room door opening. His heart rate doubled instantly. Mia Winters stood frozen in the hallway, one hand pressed against her temple, the other clutching the hem of Jake’s oversized t-shirt in a feudal attempt to make it longer.
Her long legs seemed to go on forever, and her usually perfect auburn hair was tousled around her shoulders. She looked younger, vulnerable, and completely mortified.
“Mr. Sullivan,” she said, her voice. “I believe I require some explanation.” Before Jake could respond, Lily piped up from her stool. “Daddy said you were tired. We’re making pancakes.
 
 

 
 
Do you like blueberries and yours?” Daddy makes the best pancakes in the whole world. Mia’s eyes widened as she noticed the child for the first time. Something flickered across her face. Surprise, confusion, and something else Jake couldn’t identify. I, Mia began, then stopped, clearly at a loss. Jake set down his spatula.
Lily, can you watch this pancake for me? Remember when the bubbles pop? It’s time to flip. He crossed to the hallway, keeping a respectful distance from his boss. Ms. Winters, I’ve put some clothes for you in the bathroom. They’re my sisters, but they should fit. First door on the right.
Why don’t you get dressed and then we can talk? Relief washed over her face. “Thank you,” she said quietly, then disappeared into the bathroom. Jake returned to the kitchen, his mind racing.
In the 3 years he’d worked for Mia Winters, he’d never seen her anything less than perfectly composed. She was brilliant, demanding, and completely focused on the company she’d built from nothing.
Employees respected her, feared her a little, but no one really knew her. There were rumors, of course, that she had no personal life, that she slept at the office, that she was incapable of normal human emotion.
The woman who emerged from his bathroom 10 minutes later looked nothing like the CEO who stalked the halls of Winter’s Architectural Design in designer suits and 4-in heels.
Dressed in his sister’s jeans and sweater, her face washed clean of makeup, she looked almost ordinary. “Beautiful still, but human.” “Something smells good,” she said awkwardly, hovering at the edge of the kitchen. pancakes,
Lily announced proudly, pointing to the stack Jake had been building. I helped. I can see that, Mia said, her voice softening slightly as she addressed the child.

They look delicious, Jake gestured to one of the kitchen stools. Please sit. Coffee. God, yes, Mia said with feeling, then immediately looked embarrassed by her lack of formality. Jake poured her a cup and slid it across the counter along with cream and sugar. She took it black, wrapping her hands around the mug as if seeking warmth.
Lily Jake said, “Why don’t you go pick out your clothes for today while I talk to Miss Winters?” Lily looked between the adults, clearly sensing the tension. “Okay, but don’t eat all the pancakes without me.” She hopped down from her stool and disappeared down the hallway. Silence fell between them.
Jake turned back to the stove, flipping another pancake to give Mia a moment to collect herself. “I don’t remember how I got here,” she finally said, her voice quiet but steady. Jake kept his eyes on the griddle. “You had too much to drink at the holiday party. You were going to drive yourself home.