Page 18 of Zombie

Kade and I followed Evan into the kitchen area where Badger had left a plate of freshly made chocolate chip cookies.

As I stole a cookie from the tray, I watched as Evan looked around the vast space where Badger’s absence was clear. Sadness was evident on his face as he walked to the hall to where the bedrooms were. Evan had always had plenty of women, living it up and having fun. But when Badger came into his life, he fell head over heels. He didn’t say anything else as he meandered to his room with Lucy in tow and closed the door.

Kade looked at me skeptically, then back at Evan’s door. “Do you think we should go check on him?”

I looked over at the closed bedroom door and back to my friend. “I think it’s best if we give him a little space. He just got home. He needs some rest and to deal with,” I motioned around me, “all of this.”

Kade hung his head down, looking defeated before giving me a short nod. “I’ll take you home and check on him in a little bit,” he said resolutely.

I placed an arm on his shoulder and nodded. “Okay.”

As we drove to my house in silence, Kade finally spoke up when we were about two minutes from the condo. “You need to take the rest of the week off from work.”

I looked up bewildered. “Um, no, I am going back tomorrow like we discussed before.”

Kade’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. “No, you need more time to heal.”

I crossed my hands over my chest. “Last time I checked, this was my body. I know when I’m good to go back to work, Kade. And I’m telling you, I’m good and I’ll be there tomorrow.”

He shot me a glare. “For once can you do as you’re told?” he bit back.

I let out a scoff. “Is this my best friend talking or the Don ordering?” I said sarcastically.

That seemed to end the line of conversation he was on but then he parked the SUV in front of my condo and sighed before looking back up at me. “I just want you to be as close to a hundred percent as possible before you get back. If it’s money you are worried ab–”

I cut him off. “It has nothing to do with money. I just feel ready. I want to go back to work.”

After a pregnant pause Kade spoke. “Three days more off.”

“Two,” I countered.

He sighed once more. “Fine, two days.”

I gave Kade a kiss on the cheek and got out of the car before going into my quiet home.

That night I got a knock on my door at about a quarter to eight. I was surprised to see Bohdi holding a bouquet of flowers and a bakery box.

“Hey Len, mind if I come in?” he asked with a boyish grin.

Bohdi and I had developed a good relationship throughout the years. We’d kissed once after admitting our mutual attraction while piss-drunk at a party, but once we were sober, we’d decided to keep it platonic. If things went south between us, it would affect his work with Kade and put everyone in an awkward position. But now he was at my door, looking like a Viking snack with his long hair in a man bun and his muscles straining against his black shirt. My mouth watered from the intensity in his eyes and the physique that was on display.

I opened the door and gave him a welcoming smile. “Of course!”

Bohdi smiled in return and walked in. I looked down at what I was wearing and internally cursed at my old ratty t-shirt and bright-pink yoga pants.

Note to self: get cuter comfy clothes.

Bohdi handed me the flowers. “These are for you. I’m sorry for coming over unannounced, but I thought you could use some company. Dennie was outside on watch tonight, but I sent him home, figuring I could cover for him.”

“Well, they are beautiful, and you are too kind, Boh,” I responded as I walked to the kitchen to find a vase. As I added water and the flowers, I smiled and gestured to the box he was still holding onto. “What’s in there?”

Bohdi gave me a sheepish smile. “I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I got you an assortment of cookies from Beverly’s Bakery down the street.”

I beamed at him. Beverly’s Bakery was one of my favorites. She was known for her stellar s’mores-flavored cookies, and I prayed he had brought one. Bohdi placed the box on the counter and I eagerly pounced on it. The aroma of freshly baked goodies greeted me, making my mouth water once more.

Sure enough, on top of the pile of cookies was a s’more cookie. I snatched it and took a bite, moaning as the flavor coated my tongue. When I opened my eyes after having my foodgasm, I noticed the heat in Bohdi’s eyes before he shook his head and smiled at me.

“Safe to say I did well?” he teased.