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“Okay, enough teasing,” he says. “I’ve got Stone’s medication right here.”

He sets down a few different paper bags on the table.

“I’m going to try to get back in time to make some dinner, since this is your first night here, but it’s definitely going to be a bit late.”

“That’s fine,” I say, shrugging. “As long as you show me where and what I can eat in the meantime, I can eat dinner as late as you want.”

“You’ve got free rein over the entire kitchen,” Theo says, walking over to the fridge. “We try to keep it stocked with all the basics, but if there’s something you want, just ask Steve to add it to the grocery list.”

“Steve? Who’s he?”

“Oh, you haven’t explained Steve yet, Milo?” Theo says.

“No, not yet.” Milo glances at me, shifting nervously.

“Steve is the smart-home assistant Milo programmed for us. It’s like Alexa, but it’s fancier, in my opinion. It can do a lot more, and it tracks our voice so it knows who’s adding what. Here, watch.” Theo waves his hand up in the air. “Steve, make things sexy.”

The lights in the kitchen automatically dim, and sensual saxophone music starts playing over hidden speakers.

“You’re kidding,” I say, my jaw dropping. “Milo, that’s crazy cool!”

“It was pretty easy,” he says softly. He can’t hide the blush that covers his freckle-covered cheeks, though.

“Well then, you must be a genius, ‘cause that’s insane.” I turn to Theo. “Saxophone music, though? I can think of sexier music than this.”

“Well then, by all means, show me some other time,” he says. “Unfortunately, I’ve got to run to a meeting. You have my number, right?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“Perfect. Use it if you need anything.”

Theo takes a second to just stare at me, like he’s taking in the sight of me in his kitchen, before he glances away.

“See you tonight, Spitfire.”

And then he’s leaving.

For whatever stupid reason, as I watch his broad back turn the corner, I want to yell at him to stay.

But that’s silly.

He has to go to work and I’m still mad at him.

But am I really mad at him? Or just the suddenness of this change?

I shake my head, snapping myself back to reality.

“Do you have the instructions the nurse gave you for Stone’s care?” I ask Milo.

“Yeah, they’re right here.”

“Perfect. I don’t think we have to change his bandages or anything until tonight. I can start teaching you how to do that then, how does that sound?”

Milo nods, leaning over my shoulder as I flip through the papers and find all the medications Stone has been prescribed.

I toss all the orange plastic pill bottles into one paper bag and tuck that under my arm.

“Cool, we should go bring these to Stone now, then. His injuries must be hurting like a bitch,” I say. “Could you grab a water bottle or something for him?”