Page 26 of Fighting a Riot

Nora

While I scarfed down my dinner, I reviewed the notes Trixie took for me. My instincts said Dr. Strauss was the right person to operate on me, but I knew I had to see the other doctor. Even if Trixie couldn’t come with me to the next appointment, I had her notes to help me remember what I needed to ask.

And to think, I hadn’t wanted anyone to come with me.

I owed Yak a huge ‘thank-you’. The clock indicated it was almost seven. I didn’t know what his work schedule was like, but I figured I had to hustle to catch him before he left.

I didn’t feel comfortable knocking on the back patio doors, so I opted for the side door just off the driveway. The moment I knocked on one of the windowpanes, I second-guessed if this was a good idea. Through the window, I had a clear view of the galley kitchen… and Yak, who stood at the counter slicing something.

His head turned to the door, then back to the board. If he ignored me… I didn’t know what I’d do, but I wouldn’t be pleased.

After a beat, he wiped his hands on a towel and came to the door.

“You need something, princess?” he asked, blocking the entry.

A gust of wind sent my hair flying all around my head. Great. I probably looked like Medusa right about now.

He closed his eyes and shook his head. “Get in here, we’re supposed to get a cold front tonight.”

I stood just inside the house as he closed the door. “I won’t take much of your time, Yak. I just—”

He hurried away from me and I wondered if he even heard a word I said.

Then I smelled the bell peppers.

I wandered to the edge of the kitchen. Galley kitchens weren’t my thing. They felt cramped which was only magnified when someone else joined you in the kitchen. Yet, with the black and white checkerboard flooring and black countertops off-set by the gleaming white ceramic farm sink, this kitchen felt spacious.

“You’re cooking, so I’ll be quick. I’m here to say thank you.”

His head twisted toward me, one of his gorgeous brown eyes squinting. “I’m not cooking. Already ate. I’m just cutting up some bananas for later.”

“Right. I appreciate you insisting someone go with me today.”

“No need to thank me for that, Nora.”

I tilted my head as I quirked my lips. “Maybe not, but it was supposed to be Mia going with me –obviously that flew out the window– and I thought I could handle it alone. Making Trixie go with me was a Godsend, so thank you.”

He put the sliced bananas in a Ziploc bag, sealed it, and shoved it into the freezer. His expression appeared wary as he stalked toward me.

At the edge of the counter, he stopped and crossed his arms on his t-shirt clad chest. “You’re welcome. You could have called instead of traipsing over here.”

My insides froze. This had become awkward. Awkwardness between me and Yak was a first - and that was saying something given how we met and everything thereafter.

I nodded. “You’re right. I’m sorry to bother you.”

His lips pressed into a thin line while his eyes closed and he shook his head. On an exhale he looked me in the eyes. “It’s not that you’re a bother, Nora.”

My eyes widened. “Doesn’t sound that way.”

A ghost of a grin flitted across his face. “You’re a temptation, princess. One I have to resist.”

A swooping sensation filled my belly. Maybe Trixie was right.

“Why?”

His brow arched. “Why what?”

“Why do you have to resist?”

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