She caught her lower lip between her teeth for a moment. “I don’t mean to pry, Steven, but when I straightened up your room yesterday, I found a bloody washcloth in the tub and a streak of blood on your pillow. I was concerned.”
What?
She’d been in his room?
His stomach bottomed out.
Truth be told, he hadn’t even noticed the bed was made when he got back. After everything that had happened since Thursday night, housekeeping had been the least of his concerns.
And he’d totally forgotten about the washcloth he’d pitched into the tub.
Somehow he held on to his placid expression as he kicked his brain into high gear and scrambled to come up with a credible response. “It was from this, Natalie.” He tapped his temple again. “When I laid down, the bandage came loose and the cut started to bleed again. It must have seeped around the edges of the bandage and onto the pillow. I’m sorry you had to deal with the mess.”
The creases on her forehead reappeared. “But you didn’t lie down until you got back from the grocery store. I made the bed while you were gone.”
His heart stumbled.
Mistake, mistake, mistake!
Except ... his blunder could be an ideal opportunity to plant another seed of doubt about her mental capacity.
“I think you may have the sequence wrong, Natalie.” He used his most placating tone, underscored with a hint of concern. “I laid down for a few minutes before I left. Not long, but enough to put a dent in my headache.”
Confusion clouded her eyes. “That’s not how I remember it. I thought you left right away. As soon as I wrote out the list.”
“Not quite that fast. I laid down for about fifteen minutes. I imagine yesterday is a muddle for you, what with the early morning visit from the sheriff and the story he told, then your clumsy cousin almost knocking himself out in the basement.” He called up a solicitous smile.
The grooves on her brow deepened. “I’ve never gotten muddled.”
“You’ve never had to deal with masked intruders and kitchen fires and dizzy spells, either. Not to mention poor Micah.” He reached over and patted her hand. “Cut yourself some slack, Natalie. You’re not forty anymore.”
“No, but my mind has always been sharp.”
“I know. But I do think it’s important to face facts. Age takes a toll. I noticed an occasional mental lapse in Dad during his last few years too, and he was younger than you are.”
Natalie set her spoon down. “This is most disturbing.”
“I think you’re worrying too much. You had a stressful day yesterday. We both did. I’m sure it rattled you. I wouldn’t be concerned unless the lapses begin to happen more often.”
“I suppose not.” The curve of her mouth seemed strained. “Would you like more cobbler?”
“No, thank you.” He patted his stomach. “As it is, I’ll have to do an extra lap around the lake tomorrow to burn off all the calories from dinner. Why don’t I help you with the dishes tonight?”
She waved off his offer and stood. “Putting them in the dishwasher takes no effort. If you’ll help me carry them to the kitchen as usual, though, I’d appreciate it.”
“Always happy to assist.”
They went about the task in silence, and once all the dishes were piled by the sink, he faked a yawn.
Natalie took the cue. “Why don’t you lie down? You should take it easy until your head begins to heal.”
“If you don’t mind, I think I will. My temple is beginning to throb.”
“Go rest.” She shooed him away. “I don’t have any pressing duties to attend to this evening. The dishes will keep me occupied, and then I’ll crochet for a while. I may make it an early night too.”
“Thank you, Natalie. You’re the best.” He crossed to her and leaned close to press his lips to her forehead, holding his breath against the faint hint of gardenia that had been her distinctive, nauseating scent for as long as he could remember.
She squeezed his arm. “No,you’rethe best. I’ve been blessed by your faithfulness and devotion. Sleep well.”
