Page 40 of Scorched

He chuckled. “I guess I deserve that. So, what did you do you weren’t supposed to?”

“Laundry.”

He narrowed his eyes at her. “And?”

She huffed. “How can you tell I did something else? I’m literally just sitting here eating.” She held up another fry and stuffed it in her mouth.

“It’s in your eyes. Now, what did you do?”

“Fine. I cleaned the bathrooms.” She wasn’t sure she liked that he could read her so well.

“Was this before or after the coughing fit?”

“After. And I didn’t deep clean them. Just a quick wipe down. After I picked up the laundry, I noticed your bathroom could use some sprucing up. I figured mine could too, because I did them both at the same time the last time I cleaned.”

He took a bite of his sandwich and stared at her, saying nothing.

She huffed again. “I went right back to the recliner after I finished. I swear.”

His eyes crinkled as he smiled. “I believe you.”

“Oh, thank you, my Lord.” She rolled her eyes and ate some of her sandwich.

Declan laughed, breaking off as it jostled his ribcage.

“Serves you right.” She pointed a fry at him.

“Vindictive woman.” He scowled, but spoiled it when one corner of his mouth lifted. “So, do we know if Tara picked a cake flavor?” he asked, changing the subject.

“I have no idea. I haven’t talked to her.”

“Me either. I hope she’s not stressing too much with everything that’s happened. It’s not good for her or the babies.”

“Tara’s the queen at handling stress, so I think she’ll be okay.” Maggie hoped what she said was true. Her sister was a strong woman, but between the fire drama, her wedding, and the fact she was at the same point in her pregnancy when she miscarried Lucy, her stress level had to be at an all-time high.

Declan and Maggie fell into an easy conversation about the wedding while they finished their food. There was a lot to do over the next week. Maggie, as maid-of-honor, had a full plate. She vowed to take as much responsibility from Tara as she could. There was no way she could keep her sister from stressing out, but she could at least minimize it.

She stuffed the last fry in her mouth and got up, taking her plate to the sink. The chocolate pie called her name, and she retrieved a fork from the drawer and flipped open the clear plastic container to take a bite.

Declan got up, done as well, and put his plate in the sink. “You gonna share that?”

Maggie frowned. “You didn’t get your own?”

“I got peach, but that looks good.”

“It is. Eat your peach.” She tucked the container close to her chest as she took another bite.

His mouth quirked. “Come on, Mags. Just one bite.”

“You have your own. Don’t get between a girl and her pie.” She stabbed another bite with her fork and lifted it, but it didn’t make it to her mouth. He swooped in and stole it off her fork.

“Hey!”

“Hmm, I was right. That is good.” He made to swipe his finger through the whipped cream.

“Declan!” She laughed as she twisted away. “Go eat your own pie.”

“But I want the chocolate now.” He followed her, reaching around to grab her hand with the fork.

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