Chapter7
Belle
We finished eating, and Maverick cleaned up.I didn't offer to help because I was drained.
When the kitchen was cleared and the soup transferred to a container in the fridge, Maverick asked, "You want to get back in bed?"
I was tired but not ready for bed."My body aches from being in the same position for so long."
"You want to watch something until you feel sleepy?"he asked, and I was struck again by how attentive he'd been all day.I never expected him to stick around and cook dinner for me.He'd gone above and beyond, and he was still here.
"That sounds good actually."I slid off the stool and carried my water with me to the couch.I set the glass on the coffee table and curled up on the couch, grabbing the throw I kept there to wrap it around me.I was still chilly, but my stomach felt better.By tomorrow, I should be ready to eat regular food and open the store on time.My hours were reduced on Sunday, so it was more manageable.
I clicked on the TV and picked a home-renovation show.It was one where they created elaborate outdoor spaces: patios, kitchens, and fireplaces.
Maverick finished up in the kitchen and sat next to me on the couch.
"Is this too similar to what you do for a living?"I asked him.
He leaned back and placed his hands behind his head."I watch this sometimes.It's interesting to see what they create."
We watched for a few seconds in silence, and then I asked, "You didn't need to go to work today?"
"I kept an eye on things from here and went down once to make sure they didn't need any help."
I felt bad that I'd taken him away from his job, especially when it was my project.He'd surprised me today, and I wasn't sure how to handle this new version of him.The only consolation was that he was predictable.He'd be back to his grumpy self tomorrow when I was feeling better.
His phone buzzed, and he read the incoming messages."Aspen closed your store at five.She said you had a steady stream of people coming through most of the day.She wants to know if you need her tomorrow."
I shook my head."I should be able to work."
"I'll send you her contact information just in case."
He set his phone down, and we turned our attention to the show.He made comments from time to time, on what he thought was a good idea and which choices weren't.It was interesting watching a show next to an expert.
"You think you could host a show like this?"I asked him when it was over.
He waved his hand at the TV."I don't have the personality for something like this.I'm usually short with people, and I'm not much of a talker.I tend to make decisions quickly and not sit around and debate the design with my coworkers."
My lips curled into a smile."Yeah, that would make for a boring show."
"Are you teasing me?"
I smiled."Maybe."
He sighed."You must be feeling better."
"I am, actually.Thanks to you.If I were here by myself, I wouldn't have been able to go shopping or cook anything healthy to eat.I give you all the credit."Then I yawned, the long night catching up with me.
He stood and held his hand out to me.
I threw off the blanket and let him pull me to standing.
He walked toward the door, and I followed, wondering what was expected in a moment like this.It wasn't a date, and I wasn't feeling one hundred percent.
He opened the door and said, "Make sure you rest as much as possible, and don't overdo it tomorrow."
I curled a hand around the edge of the door."Thanks again for coming to my rescue."
