Page 55 of The Breakaway

And yet, after all of that accomplishment and distraction, the second I got back into the house, all I could think about was Rob. Had he come home during the day? Had he already showered? Was he working tonight before the game?Where had he gotten that shirt?

I put away my groceries and purchases, cycling between “you should be thinking about Logan” and “Is the bath mat wet?” every thirty seconds.

What did it mean that he’d come to my concert? Did he actually love that kind of music? Or was it curiosity?

Another possibility sent warmth spreading through my chest. He’d heard my conversation with my mom. Did he knowmy family wasn’t going to make it? Had he come because he thought I wouldn’t have anyone in the audience?

Yes. The truth of it rang through me like a gong. I didn’t know how I knew that was exactly why he’d shown up, but I did.

Suddenly my body felt like a lit sparkler, and any thought of sitting down and reading a book or studying for finals was banished. I had to do something. I had to?—

I stared at the fresh loaf of bread on the counter. Toast. I could make toast and . . . I opened the fridge and pulled out the package of lean ground turkey I’d just purchased, along with all the half-finished veggies in the crisper and the new block of sharp cheddar cheese.

I set to work, browning the turkey and sautéing the veggies with a medley of aromatic spices. I was just making dinner. For myself, and since there would be extras, Rob could eat, too. That wasn’t weird or flirty or anything.

Just as I was sliding the skillet into the oven to melt the cheese, the front door opened. Rob trudged in, looking like he'd gone ten rounds with a pack of wolves. He froze, his eyebrows shooting up as he took in the scene before him.

I’d put out two plates. Filled two glasses of water with sliced lemon. At the time it seemed like a simple, kind gesture, but now that Rob was standing in front of me, I second guessed it.

“Uh, hi.”

Rob dropped his hockey bag, took off his shoes and walked in. "What's all this?"

I shrugged, busying myself with wiping spilled cumin off the counter. “I was hungry. Thought you might be, too."

Rob's lips twitched, a hint of a smile playing at the corners. "You didn't have to do that."

"It’s nothing.”

He rested a hand on the counter, and I turned back to the oven, checking on the cheese. I’d turned it on broil which meantit was already perfectly bubbly. I pulled the skillet out and set it on the stove top.

“It’s hot, but you can dish up if you want.”

Rob picked up a plate and rounded the island. I skittered back to avoid being too close, then grabbed my own plate off the counter and waited my turn.

We settled into our seats at the island. Rob blew on his food, then took a bite. I did the same, exhaling with relief that it didn’t taste awful.

Rob grunted. "This is good.”

I swallowed. “Thanks.”

Rob shovelled another forkful into his mouth. "Definitely beats what I was going to have.”

“Which was?”

“Energy bar. Cereal.”

I grinned. “You weren’t going to eat a real meal?”

He shook his head. “Too tired.”

“Are you excited about the game tomorrow?”

He shrugged. “Not about the driving.”

“Yeah. That’s a lot.”

Rob leaned back in his chair, letting out a long breath. “I might take a textbook with me.”

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