Page 32 of Falling for the Beast

“I told you not to heal me.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to. It just sort of happened.”

She shifted her weight, unable to be mad at him for it. He was a healer. How could she be upset? Before she could stop herself, she wrapped her arms around him and laid her head on his chest. She didn’t say anything. She didn’t have the words, but he seemed to understand what wasn’t said because he hugged her close.

The moment didn’t last long before he pulled away. “I’ll make lunch.”

“Shouldn’t I do that? Since I’m on your payroll?”

“Actually, you’re not. I had Accelerated Employment fire you.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Yeah, about that. Kind of a mean thing to do, wasn’t it?”

“Mean?” He gave her an incredulous look as he pulled out a saucepan.

“Yes. You fired me and didn’t even have the decency to tell me to my face.” She remembered the way she’d hollered at his door. “And you didn’t answer the door, even though with your super-hearing there was no way you didn’t hear me.”

More guilt flooded his face before he turned away from her. “I thought it was for the best.”

“Why?”

Thaddeus raked a hand through his hair and looked like he wasn’t sure what to say. He opened the refrigerator to pull out the milk. “I got frustrated.”

She nodded. He hadn’t wanted her to know what was going on with him. He’d been protecting his secret. “I understand.”

He gave her a sideways glance, his eyebrow raised, like he was questioning if she really did, but he didn’t voice his thought.

“I suppose I’ll start looking for work, then.”

He frowned, like he didn’t think that was a good idea, but didn’t voice it.

She pointed to the stove. “Why don’t you let me help with that? Especially since you’re now limping around on a broken ankle.”

“Actually, I think it’s only a sprain. And it’s healing.” He pulled out the cauliflower.

“Why are you being so pig-headed?”

The look he gave her made her regret her words. “Sorry,” she said, putting her hand on his shoulder. “I just want to do something to help.”

“And I want to cook you something for lunch.” He gave her an apologetic look. “Do you want to set the table?”

“Sure.” She reached up and took down two plates. She didn’t mind leaving the cooking to him, but she felt bad he was limping around for her. And it had been her fault he was even mixed up with Gavin.

After the table was set, she peeked at the pan on the stove. “What are you making?”

“Creamed cauliflower.”

“Smells good.”

Her compliment seemed to please him. Her insides warmed. He was slowly sharing part of himself with her. It made her want to be near him.

When he was finished cooking they sat down to eat. He cringed when he lowered himself down onto the seat. She raised her eyebrow at him, but he didn’t say anything.

She took a bite and smiled at him. “This is delicious.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

After a moment, she decided to ask. “Did those men bruise your ribs?”

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