I’d protested.
He’d taken my laptop and locked it in the truck.
Then he handed me a glass of wine.
I’d decided not to argue after that.
Now the screen door creaks open behind me.
Boot steps cross the deck.
Then Boone’s voice says softly—
“You look like you’re actually relaxing.”
I glance over my shoulder.
“Don’t get used to it.”
He steps beside me carrying two plates of food.
“I figured we should eat something that didn’t come from a vending machine.”
I laugh.
“That’s a good idea.”
He sits beside me, handing me one of the plates.
The smell alone makes my stomach growl.
“You cooked?”
“Don’t sound so surprised.”
“I don’t remember you cooking.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know. I have been cooking since my college days.”
I take a bite.
Then blink.
“This is really good.”
Boone grins.
“See?”
“You’re full of surprises.”
The ocean breeze lifts my hair again.
Everything feels calm here.
Normal.
Which still feels strange after everything that happened.
