Kaleb raised an eyebrow at me. “Maybe you should move back home. I wouldn’t have to message you every morning to see what you were up to.”
I chuckled, moving toward the counter and taking a seat on the stool. “Do you think we are ready for me to move back in?”
Kaleb nodded his head quickly. “I am. Charlie misses you, too.”
I couldn’t help but smirk. “You can’t use the dog against me, Kaleb.”
“I’m just being his voice for him.”
I laughed. “Maybe I’m ready for that.” I had been considering it. Kaleb had been making an effort, and I felt like I was starting to get in the middle of Jade and Brandon. They were being sweet and kept telling me I could stay as long as I wanted, but I also knew that Brandon hadn’t been laid since I arrived. And Jade told me enough about their sex life to know that it was only a matter of time before something snapped, and I found them banging somewhere.
“I’m not entirely sure.”
“How about we discuss it over dinner tonight?” He walked closer to me, leaning against the counter. I could smell that she had showered recently and shaved.
I frowned. “My stomach is still pretty sensitive to certain foods.”
“I took that into consideration, which is why I’ll cook. I’ve been keeping track of everything you can and can’t eat. So, I’ll make a vegetable lasagna with a side of cheesy bread, not garlic, because the smell of garlic makes you sick. No meat because you can’t stand the smell of ground beef. With a chocolate browniecake that I’ve found, you can sneak even more vegetables in without tasting them. It’s healthy and something your stomach will enjoy.”
I felt moved that he’d put so much effort into thinking about what I could eat. That he kept a list and understood how hard this was for me.
I couldn’t hide my surprise. “Wow, that honestly sounds…amazing.”
Kaleb beamed. “I thought so.”
Just then, the front door opened, and Mike came in carrying the two coffees and a small bag. I could smell donuts, and my stomach growled angrily.
Mike paused, looking between us. “Oh, Kaleb. I didn’t know you were going to be here today. I didn’t buy anything for you, sorry.”
“I’m just stopping in. I have some stops to make with some business owners about an idea that Brandon had. I thought I would stop and see Nora before them since she forgot her phone at home.”
Mike walked over and set the coffee and bags down. “What’s his plan?”
“Brandon was trying to find new ways to get the lower class help with money, and he thought about doing a charity event. Businesses can sign up and offer free or discounted items or services. It’s a work in progress. I have three meetings arranged for this morning.”
Mike nodded. “That sounds promising. He’s really working hard on getting this pack back into shape.”
Kaleb nodded. “That is the plan.”
“Here.” Mike looked at me, sliding a coffee and the bag toward me.
“You got me a donut?” I asked, feeling touched.
Mike nodded. “My wife used to say she didn’t want things, but then would watch me eat food after. I learned when a woman says no, she means yes when it comes to food.”
I blushed, and Kaleb nodded. “Thanks for the advice.”
I opened the bag and pulled the donut out. I took a bite and melted into my chair.
“It was great to see you again, Kaleb. Tell Brandon I’d like to join this event whenever it is.” Mike moved toward the back door. “I’m going to go walk Frank. He’s seemed a little on edge these past few days. We’re going to do the mile walk today.”
I nodded, taking another bite of the donut, while Mike headed toward the back. I turned back to Kaleb.
“How does six sound? You think you’ll be off work by then?”
I nodded. “Yeah, I should be home by then.”
“Great.” Kaleb took my other hand, kissing it before he turned and walked out, the sound of the bell going off above the door. I blushed, wondering if this was what it felt like for everything to be going well.
