Page 14 of Under Fire

“But you work in teams of five. Wouldn’t it be safer for you to have more people?”

“If we need more operatives, teams work together to complete the mission. We’re well trained, Delilah. Maddox doesn’t skimp on our training and preparation. He values us as people as well as operatives.”

“Where are we going?”

“To the bakery for that bagel I promised you.”

“You know I can’t eat a whole bagel.”

He nodded. “Eat what you’re comfortable with. We’ll make sure you have some protein as well as the tea and bagel.”

She lapsed into silence for the remaining five minutes of the journey. That was the beauty of living in a small town. Didn’t take long to go anywhere.

Matt parked in front of Zoe’s Bakery and they walked inside to find the place buzzing with activity.

Delilah breathed in the scent of coffee, sugar, cinnamon, pastries, cupcakes, and cakes. Her mouth watered and the craving for sweets roared back to life. Oh, no. Not good. She shook her head. “I can’t do this.”

When she turned to dart back outside, Matt grabbed her hand. “What’s wrong? Are you nauseated again?”

Several customers in the shop turned to stare at them and the noise level in the shop dropped.

“Matt, please,” she whispered, cheeks burning.

“Are you still hungry?”

“Yes.”

“Go sit at the table right outside the door. I’ll be able to see you while I give Zoe our order. I’ll only be a minute.” Matt lifted her chin and brushed her lips with his before heading to the counter.

Delilah breathed easier once she was outside in the sunshine. She still felt the gazes of bakery patrons on her. This time, though, the speculation would center around Matt’s proprietary kiss. Yeah, they would be the talk of Otter Creek by noon.

She sat at the table and settled back in the chair only to ease up again as pain reminded her she still had cracked ribs. Guess she’d be sitting in chairs and sofas with soft backs for a while.

Matt strode from the bakery with to-go cups in his hands. He set one in front of her. “Zoe will bring our food out here when it’s ready. Talk to me, Delilah.”

She hadn’t wanted to discuss this part of her past now. Her own fault, though. She’d raised his curiosity with that mini-meltdown in the bakery. Delilah swallowed hard, afraid the medic wouldn’t see her the same way when he knew the truth.

CHAPTER SIX

Matt wondered at the cause of Delilah’s nervousness. Based on their previous conversations, he already knew her mother, stepfather, brother, and two cousins tormented her when she was growing up. Delilah was careful not to give away too much information, a source of frustration for him since he wanted to know everything about her. “You told me about your family.”

“Not everything.”

The shop door opened and Zoe carried out a tray. “Here you go, guys. Sorry for the delay.”

Matt smiled. “No problem. Thanks for accommodating our desire for fresh air this morning.”

“It’s a beautiful morning.” She grinned at Delilah. “You and your escort caused a stir in the bakery. Word’s already spreading about that kiss. Be prepared for inquisitions.”

“Bring it on.” Matt set the plate with Delilah’s bagel and egg in front of her. “I want everyone in town to know Delilah’s mine. I’ll have less men to dissuade from asking her on dates.”

Zoe glanced inside the shop. “Wish I could stay and talk, but I have to get back. Let me know if you need anything else.”

After the baker left, Matt picked up his breakfast sandwich. “Eat what you can. We’ll talk after we eat.” He had a feeling whatever she needed to tell him would upset her. He’d been around her enough over the past few months to know she didn’t eat when stressed.

To help her, he asked her questions about the shop and her assistant. The more she talked, the more relaxed she became. When half her bagel was gone, Delilah pushed aside the plate.

Matt tapped the cup of tea. “Try this. I think you’ll like the taste.”

---