Page 12 of Honey Heat
“Had practice with my sister when we were kids. She was always getting into scrapes.” The memory brought a sad smile to Lucio’s face. “I'd sneak food to her room when she was grounded.”
“Sounds like a good brother.” Ethan accepted another bite, chewing thoughtfully. “Where is she now?”
His hand stilled for a moment. “She passed. Car accident. Long time ago.”
“I’m sorry.” Ethan’s voice was gentle, without the usual awkward pity Lucio hated. Just simple understanding. “That’s rough.”
“Yeah.” He shook off the familiar weight of grief. “Anyway, not exactly breakfast conversation.”
“No, but thank you for telling me.” Ethan reached out, his bandaged hand lightly touching Lucio’s arm. “And for the food. And for finding me.”
The simple contact felt more intimate than it should have. Lucio cleared his throat. “Anyone would have done the same.”
“We both know that’s not true.” Ethan’s gaze was too perceptive, seeing more than Lucio was comfortable revealing. “Most would have called it in and kept their distance. You stayed.”
Lucio didn’t know how to respond to that. He hadn’t questioned his need to stay with Ethan, to make sure he was safe. It had felt as natural as breathing. Just like taking care of the small bear shifter.
“How about some more pancakes?” he offered instead.
“Changing the subject? Smooth.” Ethan’s smile took any sting from the words. “But, yes, please. I’m still hungry.”
As Lucio fed him another bite, Dr. Martinez poked his head into the room, eyes darting between them with obvious amusement.
“How’s the patient?” he asked, approaching the bed to check Ethan’s vitals.
“Better with actual food,” Ethan replied. “Though my hands are still useless.”
“Luckily you have a dedicated helper.” Martinez winked at Lucio, who responded with a glare that promised retribution later. “Those bandages can come off tomorrow, but your fingers will need to stay wrapped for at least a week.”
“Great,” Ethan sighed. “My dad’s going to hover even more than usual.”
“Speaking of Boone…” Martinez said. “He and I reached an agreement. You’ll stay here until tomorrow, then we’ll reassess whether you’re ready for the trip home.”
Relief washed through Lucio, though he kept his expression neutral. One more day with Ethan. He shouldn’t be this pleased about it.
“Looks like you’re stuck with me a little longer,” Ethan said once the doctor left, his voice teasing but his eyes searching Lucio’s face.
“Guess I’ll have to bring lunch too.” Lucio offered another bite.
“And dinner?” Ethan raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a hopeful smile.
“Getting demanding, aren’t we?” Lucio laughed softly, but they both knew he’d be back. “What do bears like for dinner anyway?”
“This bear likes Italian. And company.” The last word hung between them, loaded with meaning.
“I think I can manage both.” He held Ethan’s gaze, letting the moment stretch.
Footsteps in the hallway broke the spell as Boone returned, tucking his phone away. His sharp eyes took in the scene—Lucio feeding his son, their close proximity, the easy intimacy that had developed in his absence.
“Everything okay?” he asked, his tone deliberately even.
“Perfect,” Ethan replied, not looking away from Lucio. “Just getting to know my rescuer better.”
Boone grunted, sitting on the other side of the bed. “Don’t get too comfortable, cub. We’ll be heading home as soon as you’re cleared.”
“Tomorrow at the earliest,” Ethan reminded him, accepting another bite from Lucio.
The alpha bear observed them briefly, his face giving nothing away. “Lucio, mind if I have a word? Outside?”
