They walked over to the trash cans, and she opened the lid and threw the bag in. When she turned back, the sunlight shone on her, and he could tell she was young. He needed to be careful.
“How long did he have you locked up?”
"Six years. I know that sounds crazy, and I don't know how I lasted that long. I was lucky that the room he put me in had a bathroom, so I could get water when he left me alone for days. I did as much exercise as I could, and I snuck food every chance I got. I know I'm way too skinny, and I look weird based on how other women look."
“No, you’re beautiful.” Thario drew up short. “Sorry. That was probably inappropriate.”
Her cheeks were pink, and she looked away when their gazes met again. “I’m not used to talking to people. I know I’m awkward.”
“Before the accident, I was a jerk. A player. I didn’t take any relationship seriously. I wasn’t a good guy.”
They were on the patio, and he knew Sharp could see him, which was probably good. Being watched would keep him from pulling Calla close and kissing her.
She bit her lower lip, her insecurities easy to see in her eyes. “What about now?”
“No one wants to date a cripple.”
She shook her head. "What? I'm sure that's not true. You're very good-looking."
His lips tipped up in a smile. "Thank you. But it's true. Once I tell a woman I'm crippled, they scatter."
"That's stupid. You should be with someone you like. Looks change, and you can't depend on looks getting you through the hard times."
“You’re very wise.”
She shrugged. "My mom had a huge collection of books, and Brent never threw them away. I would grab books when he wasn't paying attention and stash them in my room. What else was I going to do? I didn't watch TV, except when he had it on, and I had no phone or computer."
Sharp opened the door. “Breakfast is ready.”
"Oh, good, I'm hungry," Calla said.
Thario put his hand on her back as they entered the house. It felt good to touch her. Frog had been well-behaved while they'd been outside, and it seemed like his dog liked Calla.
Thario glanced down at his dog, who was looking up at Calla. Frog was way too smart. He'd already figured out Thario liked Calla and that if Thario had his way, she would be a part of their family.
“I made pancakes in addition to eggs and bacon,” Sharp said.
Danika came downstairs and moved to Sharp, kissing him before grabbing a mug for coffee. “Sharp’s pancakes are amazing.”
“I can’t wait,” Calla said.
She grabbed a plate and added one pancake, a piece of bacon, and some eggs. Thario made a mental note to get her to eat more before they left the table.
Before grabbing food, he poured food into a bowl for Frog. His dog was very happy to be getting food, too. When he turned back to the table, Calla was smiling at him. He sat next to her after getting his food, and Sharp sat across from him.
"So, the cabin near Griz and Elowen, you're moving there?"
"I sent a message to the realtor. The place has been empty for a while, so I could move in fairly quickly. I've got a room at a place close by where I can stay until I can move into the cabin."
“That’s good,” Sharp said.
“Elowen told me that her big place is being rented in a few days.”
Danika nodded. “It sounds like you have a good plan. Hopefully you’ll be able to rest.”
“Elowen has a place she rents out?” Calla asked.
Danika nodded. “Yes. That’s how we met her. She owns a beautiful, huge cabin. We stayed there for a vacation. Then Griz saw Elowen, and the rest was history.”
