“Hey,” I greeted her.
My voice wasn’t loud, but Thea still jolted, her gaze snapping to me. “Shep.”
I searched Thea’s face. Her skin had gone pale, and I saw a slight tremor in her hands. I couldn’t help but move in closer. “Are you okay?”
She forced a smile. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“You were standing there frozen. You’re pale.” Anger stirred somewhere deep. “Did Russ come in here? Did he bother you again?”
Thea quickly shook her head. “No, nothing like that. I just didn’t sleep well last night. I zoned out.”
An invisible fist ground against my sternum. She hadn’t slept well because Russ had triggered her. Just knowing that had my back molars grinding together. “Maybe you should call it a day early. Go home and rest.”
The smile that came to Thea’s lips was more genuine this time. “You sound like Sutton.”
“Sutton is clearly a genius you should listen to.”
Thea chuckled. “I’ll take it under advisement.” Her free hand came out then, landing on my forearm. “I’m okay, really. But thanks for checking on me.”
That touch scalded in the best way, marking me. I’d never take any contact she initiated for granted. Any time she reached for me. And that heat, right along with the knowledge that she was growing comfortable with me, that shetrustedme, felt like a goddamn precious gift. Something I wouldn’t trade for all the money in the world.
Thea’s words echoed in my head.You’re worthy.She made me feel that way. Maybe for the first time ever.
Her hand slipped away, and I instantly missed it. I missed more than just the heat. I missed the connection. The buzz of energy that lit between us.
Thea’s gaze moved behind me. “Hey, Anson. How are you?”
“Good. You?”
“Doing good. You guys here for lunch?” she asked.
I nodded. “Wouldn’t mind one of those spinach and artichoke grilled cheeses.”
Thea grinned, her deep brown eyes sparkling. “One of my favorites. Come on, I’ll get your order.”
She moved through the tables of people, rounding the bakery case and meeting us on the other side of the counter. Sutton looked up from where she was pulling together a box of bakery treats. “Hey, boys. How are you?”
“About to be better,” I said with a smile.
Sutton laughed. “Love being able to make someone’s day.”
Thea tapped the tablet and looked up. Her face was still pale, but she managed a smile. “One fancy grilled cheese. What about you, Anson?”
I glanced at my friend and found him studying her. I knew it wasn’t in any sexual way. He was trying to put the pieces that were Thea together. But still, a flicker of jealousy took root that was so foreign it shocked the shit out of me. Jealousy wasn’t an emotion I was used to.
“I’ll do the chicken salad sandwich and an Arnold Palmer,” Anson said, his voice completely even.
“You want a drink?” Thea asked me.
“I’ll do a lemonade. You’ve given me a taste for them.”
Pink rose to Thea’s cheeks, giving her face a healthy glow again. “You want that for here or to go?”
I glanced at my watch. As much as I would’ve loved to stay and watch her work, I knew Anson and I had minimal hours today.Especially if I wanted to start demo work at Thea’s later this afternoon. “Better make it to go.”
“You’ve got it. I’ll throw in some cookies. On the house.” Thea was already moving through the space to gather things.
“Wouldn’t hate a monster cookie,” Anson called.