Page 45 of Coveting Catherine

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

Leo drove onto the hidden road and pulled into the garage. Kassie and Chase stocked the house with everything he needed, and Kassie mentioned she added a few things. He only returned to the cabin once since Kassie presented him with the keys. Somehow, he felt he needed to wait, and now seemed like the perfect time. Leo cringed when he remembered his house stood empty, void of any furniture other than his bed. Hopefully, he’d find something online and ask the guys to pick it up.

Catherine lay asleep against the stacked pillows. He hated to wake her up. She needed to eat something, and Kassie texted that she placed a casserole in his oven and set the timer. He quietly opened her door and unfastened the seat belt. The movement of the belt made Catherine stir as he maneuvered it around her fingers.

“Hi, we're home,” he stated quietly as she peered into the empty garage.

“I thought you lived in your apartment in Seattle,” she sleepily replied as he lifted her. “Leo, don't carry me. I'm too heavy, and I have crutches.”

“I don't want to hear you ever utter those words again. My pack weighs twice as much as you.” He opened the door leading into the large, open kitchen. He flicked on the light, and his mouth dropped around the same time Catherine gasped.

“Oh, this is lovely,” she exclaimed. Catherine took in the gourmet kitchen with the huge island and the stone fireplace in the living room to the left. The honey-colored floors made the room appear brighter.

Leo viewed the house as if it was his first time again. Kassie dropped off a complete plush living room set. It suited Catherine's taste and appeared comfortable for her to rest on while she recovered. Color-coordinated pillows and throws graced the couch and chairs. A beautiful white wooden table graced the kitchen. Fresh homemade bread sat on the island, and a wonderful smell emanated from the oven.

“Would you like to sit in the living room while I check on dinner?” He asked.

“Yes, I'm tired of lying in bed,” She replied as he walked across the room and lowered her to sit. He propped her leg and offered her a pillow for her hand.

“Do you want something to drink?” He rubbed the back of his neck, not knowing what his fridge held. He opened the doors to find an assortment of freshly made tea, juice, milk, and filtered water. Leo grinned to himself.

“Sure. Do you have any coffee or hot tea? I want to stay up longer than a couple of hours at a time.”

He scratched his head as he opened each of the stocked cabinets. “Yeah, I have coffee and hot tea.”

“May I have a cup of tea with honey if you have it? Do you know Bear? Kassie got me hooked on his honey. He's sweet, but very quiet.”

Leo searched the walk-in pantry and found a small pot of Bear's honey. He grabbed the teapot on the stove and set it to boil. “How about a fire?”

“Don't go to the trouble. You must be exhausted after staying at the hospital.” She picked at the pillow in front of her.

He scooped out the loose tea and placed it in the metal heart-shaped tea holder he observed Kassie use a million times. He poured the hot water and let it steep while he took the small jar of honey and placed it on a tray. He put the mug on it and headed toward Catherine. Leo set the offering beside her on the side table.

“Why did Ash come with you the day Rahimi kidnapped us? I didn't see Whiskey. My mom refuses to talk to me about it.” Catherine questioned.

“It's a long story. I know you want to stay up for a bit, but you're due for another round of medication. I’d prefer to wait until the morning, and I'll tell you everything.” He smiled to put her more at ease when he noticed the worried expression on her face.

“Ash tried to warn me the day they took us. He told me to leave the house. I think he thought they planned to take us there.” Catherine added honey and took a sip of the warm drink.

“We'll start to piece together everything tomorrow after you rest.” He abruptly stood. “I'll be back in a moment.”

Leo walked to his room to find his bachelor bed disappeared, and a beautiful four-poster bed stood in its place. A handmade quilt made of dark green and trimmed in gold graced the bed. He imagined Catherine lying on it, her red hair spread out against the color. His bathroom matched the bedroom with dark green towels, and on the vanity sat the medical supplies, Catherine’s ointment prescription, her pain medications, and supplies if she wanted a shower.

He shook his head as he pictured Kassie making her lists of things he needed. Leo needed to send her one helluva thank you. He didn't know what he would've done without her. He opened the closet to find all his clothes from the apartment and several pairs of sweats and leggings for Catherine, along with a warm robe, pajamas, house slippers, sweatshirts, and comfortable tops. They hung next to his clothes as if they belonged.

Exiting his room, he crossed over to the guest room. He expected it fully stocked like the rest of the home, only to find the space bare. Leo smiled as he shook his head. Apparently, Kassie intended for them to share a room.

Returning to the kitchen, he pulled out the homemade chicken pot pie and scooped two plates full and cut a few slices of the bread. Leo found TV trays in the pantry and grabbed two to set up in the living room. He went back and brought the plates.

“If you're uncomfortable with having me here, I can call Kassie.” Catherine fiddled with her fork and seemed wholly engrossed in the pot pie.

“Hey. Look at me,” he softly commanded. Leo waited for her to give him her full attention and added, “I want you here.”

Catherine smiled and began to eat the meal in earnest. He picked up his fork, as he watched her eat. I want you here more than you’ll ever know.

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT

The next morning, Catherine woke up in Leo’s bed. Between the cozy fire he started, the comforting food, and the pain medication, she barely remembered him carrying her to his room. She turned slightly and noticed his side of the bed remained untouched. Frowning, she slowly rose from the bed. Spying her crutches propped against the foot of the bed, she reached to grab them, when they slid in the opposite direction and clanged to the floor.

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