Page 52 of Love, Always and Forever
His expression remained grim. “I told you it was a rough shift.”
Considering his monotone response, her small attempt at a joke had fallen flat. He also sounded a bit defensive, even though she certainly hadn’t meant to upset him.
He glanced down the street again. “I thought I heard someone knocking earlier, but when it stopped, I figured I’d been dreaming.”
Then he rolled his shoulders and shifted from side to side. “It wasn’t until I got up to use the bathroom a little while ago that I saw her car in the driveway. I figured she must have gone over to your place when I didn’t answer. I should’ve come straight over to see what she wanted.”
So why hadn’t he?
“Your mom wanted to make sure that you’d heard the little girl is stable and expected to make a full recovery.” When he didn’t say anything in response, she added, “We had a nice visit over cookies and tea. Then I showed her the greenhouse.”
Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to try to lighten the mood a little. “Did you know Ricky built it all by himself? Well, not entirely. Evidently you managed to hand him a few tools and screws.”
This time he did smile. “I’m ever so grateful he was willing to let me assist.”
She’d run out of things to say. The silence dragged on for several seconds. The entire time, his silver-blue eyes remained locked on her. What was he thinking? Was he remembering what he’d said earlier? If so, was it with regret because it was something that had slipped out when he was tired and not thinking straight? Or was he wondering about what it would be like between them? How was she supposed to know?
A yip from the backyard broke the impasse.
“I’d better go check on the dogs.”
“Send Sarge home if you’re tired of his company.”
“He’s fine.”
She headed for the gate, anxious to put the solid weight of the fence between her and Mikhail right now. Unfortunately, his long legs allowed him to catch up with her before she got very far. With a quick move, he planted himself between her and the gate. When she tried to spin back to head around to the front of the garage, he caught her arm and gently turned her back around to face him.
“Misha, please don’t do this.”
“Do what?”
“This.” She waved her free hand back and forth between them. “I don’t know how to handle it.”
He released his hold on her and stepped back to give them a little breathing room. “Amy, I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
Because if he apologized for saying he wanted her in his bed, she might just deck him or die trying.
“Take your pick. For leaving it up to you to entertain my mother. For foisting Sarge off on you for the day. For making you store my meatloaf for me.”
Then his mouth kicked up in one of those grins that always melted her heart. “But mainly for being a jerk.”
“You don’t need to apologize for me sharing tea and cookies with your mom, Sarge is never a problem, and I can always eat the meatloaf myself.”
“Like hell!” He looked truly horrified. “You’d actually do that?”
It was hard to hold back her laughter, but she gave it her best shot. “Guess we’ll have to wait and see, won’t we? Besides, I’m guessing it will freeze well.”
“I wouldn’t know. In the history of mankind, one of Mom’s meatloaves has never lasted beyond one dinner and a couple of sandwiches for lunch the next day.”
“All the more reason for me to keep it for myself. That way I can see what’s different about her meatloaf that makes it so special. I’m always looking for new recipes.”
He moved in closer. “Since you invited me over dinner, you’ll have to share.”
“Not really. I put together a vegetarian lasagna before your mom stopped by. You can have some of that if you want.”
She waited to see how he’d handle that little bombshell. Would he reject her offering at the risk of hurting her feelings? Not that it would. The lasagna would freeze just as easily as the meatloaf. The man was definitely a carnivore, so chances were he’d prefer his mother’s meatloaf to a pasta and veggie dinner.
