Page 11 of Gideon's Gratitude

Bacon, eggs, and bread were easy to locate. Within a few minutes, I settled into my routine, starting the coffee maker as the eggs cooked. I enjoyed a dark brew almost as much as tea, and this morning demanded strong caffeine.

“Hey, you didn’t have to cook.”

I pivoted to find a very sleep-rumpled Gideon at the entrance to the galley kitchen. “I don’t mind. Was something helpful I could do.” I scratched my nose with my forearm. “A way to repay your kindness.”

He scratched his belly. “You mind if I run upstairs and put on fresh clothes?” He raked his hand through his hair. “And maybe freshen up?”

Personally, I love those cartoon pajamas. You’re pretty cute the way you are.But I’d never say so. “I’ll keep the food warm. Oh, I fed Lucky. I presumed that would be acceptable.”

“Very appreciated.”

Gideon’s eyes were glassy.

“I also let him out. Are you all right?”

The man rubbed his hand across his face, scratching the stubble. “Just need to wake up, you know? I’m not a morning person.” He petted the dog between his droopy ears. “But this guy wakes me up early. Oh, did he wake you up?”

“I needed to rise anyway. He’s an adorable dog.”

Gideon snickered. “Well, he’s something. Okay, I’ll be right back.” He headed toward the stairs.

I turned my attention back to the food. I buttered the toast when it popped.Do I turn on the oven and put everything in there to keep it warm?

After what felt like mere moments, Gideon reappeared. “That was quick.” He hadn’t been gone more than two or three minutes.

“I’m a pretty easygoing guy. Change of clothes, splash water on my face, and I’m good to go.” He stepped into the kitchen. “What can I do to help?”

As he came closer, the height difference became more pronounced. As did our builds. He was slight compared to my brawn. I took tremendous pride in my body. Appearances were everything in my line of work, and being tall, attractive, and physically fit carried me well.

Something in this man spoke to me, though. His shoulders were most often rounded. Like he wanted to make himself smaller. Wanted not to be noticed.

Fanciful.

Why would anyone not want to take up their due space in the world? Thea used to accuse me of taking uptoo muchspace in the world. I’d never understood the comment, but now I faced the antithesis of that.

I dished out the eggs and removed the bacon from the paper towel they were draining on. A passable job, right? I hoped my host felt the same.

He pointed to the coffee maker.

“Black, please.” I plated the toast.

The man nodded and set about making two cups. He added a dollop of milk and a teaspoon of sugar to his own.

We sat at the table together, and the first few bites were consumed in silence.

Finally, I ventured to speak. “I thank you again for last night. Might I borrow your phone to place a call?”

He nodded, made his way to the kitchen, and returned with his cell phone.

I didn’t mean you had to go get it right now... I nodded gratefully and set the phone aside.I’ll make the call after breakfast. The phone was several models out of date. Everything in this house felt just a bit dated whereas I was accustomed to modern everything. Leaving my laptop back at the office had been a rash decision—as was driving to my country property with an impending storm brewing. Getting away had been my top priority. I’d succeeded. Spectacularly.

“Who, uh, are you going to call?” Gideon forked up some eggs and popped them into his mouth.

“I’ll begin with my foreperson, Riley. She knows all the locals and will undoubtedly steer me in the appropriate direction.”

“Yeah, the woman’s amazing.”

“You know her?” Interesting.

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