Page 59 of Doyle

I figured he'd want something to do while he was here and I really did want to expand my business but had no idea how to go about it.

"Of course, I'll pay you," I added.

"Did you just give me a job so we could stay close together?" Michael asked in a teasing voice, clearly feeling a lot better.

"Maybe," I admitted, grinning. We eventually left the workshop and entered the cabin. "We could stay here for the night."

I gave Michael a short tour of the place. There wasn't much to see, but Michael seemed to feel right at home.

"I like it here," he said, beaming at me.

I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him close.

"How are you feeling now?" I asked softly, brushing a kiss against his forehead.

“Much better," Michael murmured. "Being here with you... it feels right."

"I'm glad," I whispered, holding him tighter.

We ended up in the kitchen, and I started looking through the shelves and fridge, hoping to find something to make us breakfast.

The one downside of living here was that the nearest grocery store was back in town.

As I rummaged through the pantry, I found some eggs, a loaf of bread, and a few vegetables that were still fresh.

"Looks like we're in luck," I said, glancing over at Michael, who was watching me. "I can whip up some scrambled eggs and toast."

"That sounds perfect," Michael replied, settling himself at the small kitchen table.

He looked more relaxed here, and it made me happy to see him at ease.

I started chopping up the vegetables, my mind wandering back to the moment I brought Michael here.

I hadn't planned it, but seeing him so comfortable in this space made me realize it was the right decision.

The cabin was my sanctuary, and I wanted it to be his too.

As I cracked the eggs into a bowl and whisked them, I could feel Michael's eyes on me. I glanced up, catching his gaze.

"What are you thinking about?" I asked.

"Just how nice it is out here,” he said softly. "It's quiet. Private.”

I finished cooking the eggs, adding the vegetables in, and toasted the bread.

I plated everything up and brought the food to the table, setting a plate in front of Michael before sitting down across from him.

"Bon appétit," I said with a grin.

Michael laughed, the sound light and free. "Thanks, Doyle. I can’t wait to dig in,” he said.

We ate in comfortable silence for a while, the tension from the past few days slowly melting away.

As we finished breakfast, I reached across the table, taking Michael's hand in mine.

“If things ever get too much at Zane's house, we can come up here anytime. This place is yours too now. A retreat whenever you need it,” I told him.

Michael's eyes widened, and he squeezed my hand back. "Really?"

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