Page 37 of Silver Secrets

“No. I’m weirdly wired right now. Could we maybe just sit up for a while?” Before he could even answer, she was back stepping. “I mean, would it be okay for me to stay up a while? You don’t have to. I’m sure I’m interrupting your nighttime routine. I already hate that I’m intruding.”

“Don’t over think it. I’m not ready for bed either. How about I make us some tea and we can put something on the TV? But before that, why don’t I grab a change of clothes for you.”

Sloane cringed as she looked down at her blood stained shirt. “I hadn’t even thought of that. Thank you. And tea sounds perfect.”

“You can follow me.” Gage led her down the hallway and into his room. He couldn’t help but smile at the hesitant way she lingered in the doorway while he walked into his closet, grabbing a pair of sweatpants and a Navy shirt off the shelf.

“I think the pants might be a little big, but if you roll them a few times, they should work.”

She took the clothes in her hand. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll just close the door behind me and you can come into the kitchen when you’re ready.”

Sloane nodded, standing perfectly still as Gage walked into the hallway, closing the door behind him. Fuck, he couldn’t move. What if she was in pain trying to get her clothes off? What if she got dizzy pulling his clothes on?

He worried himself into such a frenzy that the next thing he knew, she was opening the door dressed in his clothes, frowning at him.

“Is everything okay?” she asked.

“I… uh, I wanted to stay close in case you needed anything. I was worried you might feel dizzy or sore and need some help.”

“That’s very sweet of you, but I’m okay. Could really use that cup of tea, though.” She smiled weakly at him and took another step into the hallway.

“Right. Yes, tea. Good.”

Gage watched as Sloane moved towards the kitchen, but he didn’t miss how her face winced at the movement. Before he could stop himself, his hand slid to her elbow, and he helped guide her to the table.

“Thanks,” she mumbled. “I think my body is starting to realize it was in a car accident tonight.”

“It’s probably best to take it slow and rest.”

Gage got busy, grabbing two cups out of the cupboard and turning his kettle on. He felt Sloane’s eyes on him the entire time.

“You’re thinking awfully loudly over there, Red.”

She smiled, and that simple act broke free some of the tension he was carrying in his chest. “I never would have picked you for a tea guy. And certainly not one who had a kettle to boil his water in.”

“I’m offended,” he scoffed playfully. “I happen to love tea. My mom would always make me a cup of chamomile when I’d have a hard time sleeping as a kid. Worked like a charm to help me fall asleep.”

“That’s really sweet.”

“Yeah, except now it’s turned into a nightly habit. Can’t seem to turn my mind off until I have my chamomile fix.”

“There are worse vices to have.”

“I guess so,” he shrugged. “You want any sugar or honey for yours?”

“Oh, honey sounds nice.”

“Perfect. I have wildflower or lavender? Either of those work?”

“Wildflower please. I honestly can’t tell if this is real life or if I’m in a fever dream from my head injury.”

Gage set the two cups of steeping tea on the table and laughed. “It’s real life, but Red? Not everyone knows about the tea habit. So maybe we can keep it just between us?”

Her eyes lit up. “Sure thing.” She grabbed her mug, adding some honey in before stirring. Gage watched as she lifted the mug with her right hand, her left still cradled in her lap. Her lips pressed gently against the cup and he could see the moment her body relaxed.

“Good?”

---