Page 48 of Second Chances

“Did you make these noodles?” he asked over his shoulder. “They look homemade.”

“Yes.” She smiled and grabbed a bowl for herself and sat across from him. “It was my grandmother’s recipe.” She took a bite and smiled as he broke off a chunk of the bread and slathered it with butter.

“What’s this in the butter?” he asked before taking a bite.

“Parsley, tarragon, and chervil. Along with rosemary leaves.” She applied some to her own piece of bread.

“Where did you get all that? I know for a fact that I don’t have any spices in my kitchen.” He took another bite. “God, it’s so good.”

“You have them all growing just outside your door.” She motioned to the side doorway. “There’s a nice herb garden out there.”

He frowned. “You mean the weeds I haven’t gotten around to pulling yet?”

“Don’t you dare pull them.” She shook her head and laughed. “I’m super jealous of your little garden. I’ve been trying to grow one myself, but the side of the house where I have space doesn’t get enough sunlight. So, I have to settle for a smaller one inside my kitchen window.”

“Okay.” He nodded. “I won’t tear them out. Just as long as you show me what I have and how to use them.”

She laughed and agreed. After the early dinner, they headed out to the back patio to get some fresh air. They watched the water as they talked for a while. When she noticed Todd’s head rolling back and his eyes grow tired again, she knew that he’d spent his energy.

“I can hook up your television so we can watch a movie?” she suggested.

He sighed. “I’m afraid I’m just not back to my normal self,” he admitted as they walked inside. “The home cooking and fresh air has made me tired again.”

He sat on the edge of the sofa and watched her hook up his television and the cable box.

“I have plans to hang that in the corner.” He motioned to the spot.

She’d been dying to ask him about Ethan and Javan. To find out what he’d learned about the text messages. She figured if she didn’t ask now, he would be asleep in a few moments.

“Did Ethan and Javan head out?” she asked, glancing over her shoulder.

“Oh, yeah, I meant to tell you. They confirmed that the text message was from the same burner phone that you received your messages from.” He leaned back on the sofa and took a deep breath. “Sounds like your ex doesn’t like you talking to me.” He glanced over her.

She felt her heart skip. She’d been so concerned about what he’d think about a single mother, she hadn’t stopped to imagine the issues Brock would bring to any future relationship she’d have. Would he break it off with her because of Brock and the threats he’d made? She hadn’t realized she’d frozen in place, her entire body tense, as if waiting for something bad to happen. As if waiting for him to turn her away.

“Come here.” He patted the cushion beside him.

As if hearing his voice had freed her from her fears, she moved over and sat next to him. He took her hands in his and then pulled her into a light hug.

“I can see your fear in your eyes,” he said softly. “If anything, his threat, if you can call it that, makes me want to get closer to you and Simona so I can protect you both.”

She relaxed and wrapped her arms around his middle. “I’m sorry he’s dragged you into this.”

“This?” he asked, leaning back and looking down at her. “If by that you mean this”—he brushed his lips across hers and she relaxed even more— “then there’s no need to apologize. I walked willingly into… this. I’m here because I want to be here. I want you to be here. I want Simona to be part of my life, regardless.”

She smiled. “She asked me if she could skip going over to Kayla’s today and come over here to see you instead.”

“I’m glad you’re here.” He pulled her back against his chest and, even though she knew he was recovering from being sick, she absolutely loved the feel of him against her.

“Olivia.” Her name was a soft whisper against her ear.

“How are you feeling?” she asked, running her lips over his jaw. He’d showered but hadn’t shaved, and she was finding the soft stubble sexy.

Todd leaned back and cupped her face, then placed his lips over hers. The kiss was softer, slower, than when he’d kissed her before. Almost as if they had all the time in the world to enjoy one another.

He surprised her by standing up and lifting her into his arms.

“Todd, you’re not—”