He looked down at my ankle. “How did the sock work for you?”
I gingerly flexed my ankle. “It’s tight, but I guess that’s the whole point, right?”
“Yep. Listen, I need to run into town today to pick up some groceries,” he said. “Maybe I can try and find you some loose-leaf tea?”
“Really? That would be great. Thanks.”
“It’s my first day of vacation,” he said cheekily, “I’m feeling generous.”
“Ha ha.” I stared hard at his wet hair and then at the clock. “Why is it only eight and you’re already showered and dressed on your day off?”
“Because I got up around six and went for a run,” he said smoothly.
“Shut up! Who really does that? You went for arun?”
He flicked his eyes over me. “You don’t run?”
I grinned. “Not unless the cops are chasing me!”
“Heaven help me.” He looked at me thoughtfully. “How do you stay in shape?”
“Yoga and healthy eating.”
Chase pulled a face. “I’d rather run and eat lots of meat and drink lots of beer.”
He set a bowl of sugary cereal in front of me on the counter. “This is what I usually eat for breakfast. Good with you?”
Yuck!
“Sure. I mean, I usually have yogurt and granola, but I’m sure this is the same.”
“Not even close, darlin’. Go sit at the table. I’ll bring in your tea and breakfast.”
“You know, I could get used to this!” I exclaimed as I hobbled away.
“You’re supposed to be miserable!” he shouted back. “House arrest is a punishment, not a party!”
“Shows what you know,” I mumbled low enough so he couldn’t hear.
We made small talk over breakfast, and I couldn’t decide if I liked the sugary cereal or not. It wasn’t what I was used to, but there was something addictive about it. Which my mom would say should be a warning sign to me.
“You got everything you need before I head out?” Chase asked.
I was reclining on the couch, enjoying my sugar high. “Do you think you could run upstairs and get me a new book? I finished the mystery.”
“Sure thing,” he said. “Anything in particular?”
I smiled. “Surprise me.”
A few seconds later he returned and tossed me a romance novel. The cover showed a corseted girl being ravaged by a pirate. I lifted an eyebrow. “Really? You saw this and thought, ‘I bet Alexa wouldlovethis book.’”
Chase grinned. “Dunno. It was my mom’s. She likes reading those things.”
“Fine,” I grumbled. “I’ll read it.”
“Don’t put yourself out any there, Martin. Wouldn’t want you to be grateful or anything.”
I made a face. “Thank you kind sir. I can’twaitto tell you all about the good parts.”
