Page 37 of Unforeseen Love

“I just wanted to let you know that I managed to order extra PPE. We already have plenty, but just as an added precaution.” He walks over and promptly sits in front of my desk. I almost bite out for him to leave, but then I rein in my attitude. He’s being proactive and I’m just being ridiculous.

“I think we’ll be fine for the time being, but we can evaluate it as we go. It’s without saying, going forward that we continue to treat everyone as if they have covid.”

I’m about to interrupt, but he holds his hand up, so I let him continue.

“And yes, I’m aware you already do, but there are others who are foregoing embalming altogether, which I doubt very much you would be on board with. I checked and am happy our health and safety meets the requirements to continue, but I have sent you an email outlining some new requirements in the embalming theatre.”

I let out a sigh, grateful he hasn’t pushed to cease embalming altogether, and if added protection is what is required, then so be it.

“Okay, thank you,” I say and wiggle my mouse to bring up his email.

He stands and nods his head before making his way over to the door. “And Sienna…”

I peer up at him over my computer monitor.

“I like it when you’re so amenable.” He winks before he turns and struts out of my office.

And just like that, the little spark of admiration I might have had towards him suddenly fizzles like a dud sparkler on Guy Fawkes night.

“Arsehole.”

Reaching for my coffee, his voice echoes in the hallway.

“I heard that, Morticia.”

Of course he fucking did. I grab my stress ball and throw it at the door, which just hits it with a soft thud before dropping to the floor.

Finishing my drink, I go through the list of what to consider when embalming a covid-19 case.

Even with all the extra precautions in place, the hardest part is knowing the deceased’s family and friends won’t likely get how to make this so they can still mourn them to the best of their wishes.

I had three deceased to take care of today, and it’s only after I finished speaking with the family of Mr Freeman and beautifying him that I realise how exhausted I am. I’m looking forward to dinner, bath, and bed at this point.

Feeling lethargic, I make sure everything is closed off for today and head back to my flat. When I enter, I’m immediately hit by the smell of cooking, and my stomach grumbles.

Theo steps into view, wearing my apron, with a spatula in his hand.

“I was about to call your boss and find out where you were,” he says before stepping out of sight.

I kick off my shoes and head down the hallway towards the kitchen, going straight to the fridge and looking to see what I can scrounge up.

“What you looking for?” he asks, his chest pressing against my back, the cool air from the fridge doing nothing to stifle the heat I now suddenly feel.

“Dinner choices,” I reply, not that it’s any of his business.

Gripping the door, he moves me aside and closes it, cutting off my protest when I try to push him away.

“Behave, Morticia,” he says, swatting me like a gnat. “I made enough dinner for you too.”

I’m momentarily stunned and don’t know what to say. “But you might want to take a bath first.” He crinkles his nose as his eyes roam the length of my body.

Crossing my arms, I tap my foot until his eyes find mine.

“What?” He holds his free hand up, like he didn’t just insinuate that I stink. “Why are you staring at me like you’re going to murder me in my sleep?”

I raise an eyebrow and tilt my head.Now there’s a thought.

Flicking the tip of my nose with the spatula, he steps back towards the stove, and my stomach grumbles.

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