“True,” Rebecca said with a glance at her watch.“I’d better get moving.I need to pick up my daughter from daycare.”
“And I’d better get to the supermarket,” Maia said.“If I don’t stock up on groceries, I’ll go hungry.Thanks for inviting me.”
“Good luck for the game,” Rebecca said, standing.“I intend to work hard to make the team for the next game.”With a wave, she and Jan left.
Maia arrived home almost two hours later and found Henry and Juno waiting.
“Hey, how did training go?”
“I’m on the team,” Maia said, allowing her excitement to show.“I’ll be coming off the bench and won’t be on the field for long, but I made the team.”
Henry wrapped his arms around her.At that moment, she finally felt as if she’d arrived home.She pulled back to beam at him.“I’m glad to see you, but why are you here?”
“If you’re determined to stay, I wanted to change the locks and beef up your window security.”
“As long as you charge me for doing the job,” Maia said.
“You qualify for special rates.”Henry’s voice was flat and determined.“Pay for the materials, and we’ll call it quits.”
Juno nudged Maia’s leg, her eyes beseeching, and Maia ruffled the dog’s ears.“All right, but I owe you dinner.Whatever is your favorite, I’ll cook for you.”
“Roast beef,” Henry said.“With roast vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and lots of gravy.And a dessert.Something hot with custard or ice cream.”
“Wow, a man with opinions,” Maia said, not bothering to hide her amusement.
Henry didn’t crack a grin, his visage shaped in his usual stoicism.
“That’s a deal.You’d better show me what you’ve done.Let me unload my groceries first.”She’d bought fresh fruit and vegetables along with two steaks, a chicken, and a piece of salmon.This time, she’d purchased cans of food and packets of pasta she could use for meals during a time crunch.
Henry made light work of her bags of groceries and lingered in the kitchen while she put away the perishable items.
“I’ll leave Juno with you.You’ll find a bone in the bottom of your fridge, a bag of dry food in your laundry, and her dishes.I left a couple of toys since she loves to play.”
“She has made that clear,” Maia said with a laugh.“Thank you.I won’t turn down your offer since she’s brilliant company.”
“I wish you’d stay at my place,” he said, pinning her with his brown gaze.
“Henry, nothing has happened for over two weeks.No one has spotted loitering strangers, and I want to work and renovate the interior.Besides, you’re away for a job.Your family doesn’t need me loitering when I have my house.”It was an old argument that had run its course, but she needed to solidify it.
Henry’s displeasure dug into his features, but he didn’t argue.Wise man because she was obstinate and determined to get her way.
“Let me show you what I’ve done.”He pulled a set of keys from his pocket and handed them over.“I’ve changed the entire lock.These are the keys, and might I suggest you separate them?”
A flush filled her face at her rookie mistake.“I won’t do that again.Why don’t you take the spare?We’ll be together often, so you having a key makes sense.”
He nodded before pointing out the chain he’d installed.The windows’ locks made outside entry difficult unless someone broke a window.
“Thank you,” she said, truly grateful because she’d feel safer when alone.“What time do you want dinner?I wouldn’t mind a training run first.”
“Would you like company?”
His phone rang, cutting in on her reply.Henry frowned as he checked the caller ID and answered.It was a work call, and she meandered to the kitchen to finish unpacking her groceries.Afternoon sunshine lit the kitchen.Plants would look fab on the windowsill.Herbs because she loved Italian dishes and fresh basil made them sing.Plan.Maia hummed as she stacked cans in her cupboard, enjoying the minor act.
“Maia, I’m sorry, but an urgent job has come up, and I need to sort it out tonight.Can I have a raincheck on dinner?”
“I understand work comes first.”
With two rapid steps, Henry crossed the room and pulled her close.His mouth crashed down on hers, and his arms tightened as he kissed her passionately.Maia groaned, leaning into him and relishing being the focus of this intensity.A whirlwind storm of emotion.
