They don’t notice me at first, but I enjoy watching them together. I always felt immense jealousy when someone showed their partner affection.
But somehow, I’ve ended up with a man I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Zara twists her head and nearly jumps out of her skin as she watches me step further into the kitchen. “Oh, Evan,” she says as she swats Felix’s hands away. “Good morning. I didn’t see you there.”
“Morning,” I say, unable to hide my smile. “Don’t mind me.”
“You’re up early,” she murmurs as she brushes back her curly hair.
“Yeah, I've been struggling to sleep in recently.”
Another side effect of my medication—but I try not to moan too much. I know it’s helping me in the long run, and I need it to get myself back on my feet.
“How are you settling in, Evan?” Felix asks.
He’s been busy with Caleb and the pack over the past few weeks. I often ask Caleb what’s going on, but he doesn’t want to worry me by overloading me with information about his father. Maybe ignorance is bliss.
“I’m doing…better,” I confess. “I’m very grateful to be here.”
Zara blows out a breath. “Like Caleb would let you be anywhere else. That guy is very protective, but you probably already know that.”
My cheeks heat at her words. “He’s taking good care of me.”
“I bet.” She smirks.
Felix kisses Zara on the cheek, and says that he’s going to check on the guards to make sure rotation is in order before training this morning.
“Caleb sleeping in?”
“Yeah,” I say as I approach the counter. “Do you know what he likes for breakfast? He’s been working really hard recently. I think he needs the rest.”
Zara’s face lights up. “You’re lucky we just did a big shop.”
“What do you suggest I make?”
“Caleb is a sucker for waffles. He doesn’t have them often because I know he’s always trying to keep himself fit and healthy, but a one-off won’t hurt. Right?”
I grin. “Right.”
Zara grabs the waffle maker and starts to remove ingredients from the cupboards. I listen as she tells me all the measurements before preparing the batter.
“What kind of toppings does he like?” I ask.
“Banana and honey are his favourites,” she says confidently. “We always used to make them years ago, until we started with the health kick.”
“That’s a choice. I prefer chocolate.”
She laughs. “Agreed.”
Once we pour the mixture into the preheated waffle maker, it sizzles immediately. I press down the lid and start cutting up the bananas. When the waffles are nice and golden, I start to plate up, my stomach growling from how delicious they smell.
“Thanks for letting me cook and bake with you,” I say softly.
Zara shakes her head. “Cooking is my love language, and if I get to share it with you, then I’m more than grateful for your company.”
My heart swells in my chest.
We use the rest of the batter to make ourselves breakfast and go a little crazy on the toppings that don’t make sense. Our laughter lingers in the air, and it fills me with joy to feel this free.
