“I can toast bread without burning down the kitchen,” Bryn said.“Usually.”
“Let’s not test that theory.We’ve had enough excitement for one week.”Gunnar swung his legs over the side of the bed.“I’ll do it.”
“You’re supposed to be resting.”
“So are you.We can rest while making pancakes.Doctor’s orders said nothing about avoiding the kitchen.”
“Fine, but if you collapse face-first into the batter, I’m taking pictures before I call for help.”
“Of course you are.”
In shorts and T-shirts, they made their way to the kitchen and while Gunnar gathered ingredients, Bryn made a pot of coffee then perched on a stool at the counter, content to watch his partner work.
“You’re staring,” Gunnar said without turning around.
“Just making sure you don’t fall over.”
“Bullshit.You’re staring at my ass.”
“Maybe.When I was in that cell, I kept thinking about stupid things, like how I couldn’t remember if I’d asked Emmett to order more coffee before we left for Philly.”
Gunnar paused in whisking the batter.“You did.Three times.Your coffee obsession is well known around here.”
“And now I’m…memorizing you.In case I need the memories some other time.”
Gunnar set down the bowl and crossed to Bryn to give him a hug.“It’s over and we got through it.”
Bryn hugged him back.“I know.”
“And,” Gunnar continued, “Emmett had everything restocked, including the coffee, so we’re good on that front for at least a week.”
“Excellent, because house arrest without coffee would be against the Geneva Convention, pretty sure.”
“No more brooding.”Gunnar went back to the pancake making.
“It’s my trademark.I need to brood.Angst is my religion.”
“Save it for Giles, he enjoys it.”
“I don’t want to make his life pleasurable.I want him to be miserable.”
“Bryn, from what I’ve seen, Giles Delacourt has the emotional range of an iceberg.You’re more likely to get a rise out of Warden.”
“Stop spoiling my happy thoughts and give me pancakes.I want chocolate chips in mine.”
After breakfast, they got dressed then Gunnar stretched out on the couch with a book while Bryn curled in an armchair with his tablet watching cat videos on TikTok.Every few minutes Bryn would glance at Gunnar to find him already looking, and they would exchange grins.
Lunch came and went and by afternoon, the quiet domesticity had already begun to wear thin.
“I’m going stir-crazy,” Bryn announced, setting aside his tablet.“How long has it been?”
“Including last night, approximately eighteen hours since we were placed on leave,” Gunnar replied without looking up from his book.“Only fifty-four to go.”
“Kill me now.”
“You constantly complain about not getting enough time off and now you have it…”
“It’s not the same.”
