Page 24 of The White Picket Fence

Which was the other reason she’d tossed and turned. Every time she managed to doze, she’d dreamed of Tino, waking up hot and bothered.

Lonely and needy.

“Yes, please,” he said. “Bacon makes everything better.”

“It does. What did you tell the neighbor before I opened the door?”

He grinned. “That I forgot my key.”

They’d always been in sync. She’d forgotten that. “You’re incorrigible.”

“You’re not the first to say so, and I doubt you’ll be the last.”

She laughed. “You’re such a bad boy.” Then she winced. “And I’m bad, too. I haven’t called the hospital to check on Dottie yet. My brain cells don’t wake up until my second cup of coffee.”

“She’s fine,” Tino said. “I called this morning before the Good Humor Man started yelling at me. She had a good night and her vitals are stronger this morning. Breathing is better. They think the antibiotic is fighting her respiratory infection.”

Charlotte exhaled, relieved. “Good. Maybe they’ll move her to a regular room soon.” She finished making breakfast and set it in front of Tino with a flourish.

He dove in, inhaling the entire platter of French toast.

His obvious delight made her smile. “I like cooking for people who like my food.”

“Then you should love cooking for me, because this is amazing.” He cleaned his plate and sat back with a satisfied expression. “You made me French toast once.”

She startled, then remembered. “Oh right.” She grimaced. “I’d kind of blocked that out.”

He chuckled. “I blocked out what happened after your parents came home unexpectedly early from their trip and found us eating French toast in our underwear.”

“At least we were wearing that much,” she said dryly.

“You were afraid to cook bacon in the nude. Said it would pop and burn you.”

It had been the first time he’d stayed over. The night she’d lost her virginity. He’d been so sweet. Bumbling, but sweet. It had been the first time for both of them.

“You always took such good care of me,” she murmured.

He sobered. “Then why were you so anxious to leave? Why didn’t you want to stay?”

She opened her mouth, but no explanation came forth. And then she was rescued by the ringing of her doorbell.

“Excuse me,” she said, placing her napkin on the table and heading for the front door. “I hope it’s not that neighbor.”

“If it is, we’ll call the cops,” Tino said, right behind her.

Because of course he’d follow her to the door.

Keeping me safe.

It was hard to be angry with him about that.

A glance through the peephole had her relaxing. “Just a kid I know.” She opened the door, smiling at the thirteen-year-old girl who held a large shopping bag. “Kayla, honey, I didn’t expect you so early. You want to come in?”

Kayla nodded. “If it’s okay. I wanted to bring your bowls back before I went to school.” She held out the bag. “I washed them myself, so they’re all clean. Thank you so much. My mom says you’re the best cook.”

Charlotte ran her hand over the girl’s hair. “You are so welcome. If you come by tomorrow, I’ll have more food made up.” She looked over at Tino, who was watching with interest. “Tino, this is Kayla Lewis. Her parents run the corner store. Her dad was shot recently. Her mom has been so busy taking care of the family and the store that she doesn’t have time to cook. Kayla, this is my friend Tino.”

Kayla looked up at Tino, her smile strained. “Hi.”

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