Bryce raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.
Beth flushed under his amused gaze. “Um—my reading cove is just... so great. Amazing, really. And I want to go there. Now. To, uh, read.” She nodded, eyes a little too wide. “It’s like a hideout. For reading. So cool. Thank you, again… for making it. I’m going to go now. And use it. Alone.”
Bryce’s lips twitched.
Beth gave her head a quick shake. “Okay, bye.” Then, she bolted.
Bryce burst out laughing as he watched her flee.
Shaking his head, he stood and made quick work of cleaning up the kitchen. Almost three whole days without her nervous rambling hijacking her vocal cords, and now? It was back with a vengeance.
He never would have expected this side of her.
After working with her in the ER for three years, he’d seen her walk into chaotic trauma situations without hesitation. He’d watched her handle violent, drugged-up patients with calm, steady hands while security had to be called. She had never run.Just steady, serene determination to get the job done.
But this?
This side of Beth that literally ran from him every time things between them got too real?
An excited grin spread across his face.
This was going to be fun.
She was worth the chase.
He’d bet good money that this particular escape had everything to do with the idea of sharing a room. Instead of talking to him about it, she ran.
That was fine. Trust took time.
But if there was one thing he’d learned about his wife in these almost two weeks, it was that the best way to stop her from overthinking something was to do something outrageous enough to snap her out of it.
Bryce made his way upstairs to do just that.
CHAPTER 24
Their bedroom door was shut—but not locked. He turned the handle quietly and stepped inside.
The air was still, except for the soft sounds of Beth’s voice. She was talking to herself again.
Not wanting to startle her too much, he didn’t try to sneak in, instead he ensured she could hear the bedroom door click shut.
The muttering ceased instantly.
Bryce smirked.
Beth was curled up in her reading cove, hidden behind the decorative screen, peeking over the top of a book like a deer caught in headlights.
He ignored the way she stared at him with trepidation and strode casually over to the coffee bar. He took his time, preparing a single cup, feeling her wide-eyed gaze track his every move.
Once he had the steaming cup in hand, he leaned against the counter, lifting it to his lips. He took a slow sip, moaning slightly at the rich, dark flavor.
“Mmm,” he hummed in exaggerated pleasure. “That hits the spot.”
Beth eyed him warily. “Is that the only coffee maker in the house?”
“Nope,” Bryce said, taking another casual sip.
“Oh.”
