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“Don’t you dare. Leave it locked, if you’re not out yet when I get there, I can wait.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m certain. I’d rather be sure you’re safe than anything else, sweetheart. Go take that shower, I’ll be there soon with something to eat.”

“All right. I’ll see you soon. Drive safe.”

“Always.”

She disconnected the call and padded into the bedroom where she striped out of her clothes and stepped into the shower, setting the water to luke warm.

After the shower she stood in front of her dresser trying to decide what to put on. She wanted her fuzzy pants and oversize shirt, she wanted to be comfortable, but she also wanted to be cute or at least a little attractive for Cypher.

But since all she wanted to do was sleep, wasn’t dressing to be cute false advertising or teasing? Hyper aware that Cypher could even now be outside waiting to be let in, she grabbed her fuzzy pants and the old, soft T-shirt, and worn soft t-shirt she’d stolen from one of her older brothers and threw them on before heading for the front door. She was halfway there when she heard the now familiar rumble of Cypher’s motorcycle approaching. Relief flooded her. She hadn’t kept him waiting. Thank goodness.

Chapter Eleven

Cypher parked his bike beside Lauren’s car, pulled the bag of take out from his saddle bag and went to the door. If she wasn’t through in the shower yet, he’d wait. He’d rather spend time with her than alone, even if that meant sitting out here for an hour before she let him in.

He was halfway up the four steps to her porch when the front door opened, revealing the woman he’d been looking for. She looked rode hard and put away wet. Her eyes were bright and normal looking, so he didn’t think she was getting sick, but he didn’t like the dark circles under her eyes.

“Oh, good,” she said. “I’m glad you didn’t have to wait. As I heard you pull in, it occurred to me, I can program a code for you, then I don’t have to leave it unlocked and you aren’t stuck sitting in the heat.”

“Are you sure?” He followed her inside and closed the door, setting the food on the table beside the door long enough to take off his boots, then he picked up the food and took it into the kitchen. “I wouldn’t mind, but I don’t want you to feel pressured or rushed.” He put the bag on the counter, then opened the cabinet and pulled out two plates, setting them on the counter before he grabbed flatware.

“How can you be pressuring or rushing me if it was my idea?” She went to the other side of the bar and sat.

“Got me there,” Cypher said as he put the food on plates, much like he’d seen her do the last time they’d brought take out back to her place, then slid hers across the bar and carried his own around to sit on the stool beside hers.

“I know you can’t tell me much about your work, but is there some reason you’re so tired tonight? Was it a rough day?” He took a bite as he waited for her answer.

Lauren shook her head.

“Not really. I mean I had clients, sure, but nothing to make me this tired.” She leaned both arms on the counter as if she could barely hold her head up long enough to eat. He frowned and wondered if maybe she hadn’t gotten enough sleep the night before. She’d already said she probably wasn’t up for more than sleep, and he was good with that. He could use a good night sleep himself.

They didn’t talk while eating, not more than a few words here and there. It seemed like it was all she could do to eat, and he didn’t want to distract her or make it harder.

When they’d finished eating, Cypher took her plate to the sink along with his, and ran water in them. He’d come back and put them in the dishwasher in a bit, he wanted to get her settled in and relaxing before she fell over asleep.

“What do you feel like watching?” he asked as they moved into the living room.

“I don’t care. I just want to sit down, maybe lay down, and snuggle up against you while I listen to it.”

“Do you want something short, or a movie? We can find a sitcom or a drama if you don’t want a movie.”

“I probably won’t make it through a whole movie before I fall asleep. I’m sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry for, sweetheart, we all get tired. I wouldn’t count a movie out, if that’s what makes you feel good, just not something new. Anything stick out? What do you usually watch when you’re sick?”

She scowled. “Do you think I’m coming down with something?”

“I don’t know, but if it’s comforting when you’re sick, why wouldn’t it be now? Even if you’re not getting sick, you’re not feeling at your best. Do what feels good, at least for tonight.”

“Are you sure you want to do that? I don’t think you’ll like my favorite show, it’s kind of girly TV.”

Cypher lifted one brow.

“Girly TV? What is it and where do I find it?” If he had to sit through an evening of chick shit to make her feel better, he would.