"Same here. Paperwork doesn't write itself." I reached for my wallet, but she beat me to it.
"I said I was buying," she reminded me, handing Faye her card before I could argue.
Outside, the cold hit us like a wall. I walked her to her vehicle, hands shoved in my pockets.
"Let me cook you dinner tomorrow night," she said. "To thank you. For the security work, for everything."
"You don't have to do that. No obligation, remember?"
"I know." That steel underneath the sweetness. "But I want to."
"Lacey—"
"Please." She looked up at me. "Let me do this."
I studied her face, seeing how much it mattered. "How about a compromise? You let me pick up the groceries and provide the kitchen. You bring the expertise."
"At your place?"
"I'll be your helper. Clean the dishes, chop vegetables, whatever you need." I smiled. "I can't cook at all—live on takeout—so you have no idea how much I'll enjoy a proper home-cooked meal."
Her expression softened. "Okay. Deal." She pulled out her phone. "What do you like to eat?"
"Anything that doesn't come in a paper bag."
She laughed. "I'll text you a list."
She did, about an hour later. I stared at the ingredients—half of which I couldn't pronounce—and headed to the grocery store.
First real shopping trip in months.
Worth it.
***
Monday's appointment with Judge was torture in the best possible way.
Dr. Bev examined the healing shoulder, made notes about continued improvement, and stepped out to check on another patient. The second the door closed, Lacey was in my arms.
"We shouldn't—" she breathed against my mouth.
"I know." I backed her against the exam table, kissing her until we were both breathing hard.
Judge sighed from the floor. Dramatic. Judgmental.
"Your dog is shaming us," Lacey gasped.
"My dog can deal with it." I kissed her again, slower this time. "Tonight?"
"Tonight," she confirmed.
When Dr. Bev returned, we were appropriately spaced, both studying Judge's chart like it was the most fascinating thing in the world.
The knowing look on the vet's face said she wasn't fooled.
***
Lacey showed up at my place just after six.
