Page 38 of I'll Keep Her Safe

A laugh escapes me. “I’ve never been a fan.”

She shakes her head with mock disapproval. “Oh, you’ll eat them.” There’s a spark in her gaze as it holds mine. “I know how to make them delicious.”

I bet you do.

I swallow, unable to look away as she bends to retrieve the last of the Brussels Sprouts. This is a new side to her—playful, almost flirty. She doesn’t mean it to be, of course, but fuck if I don’t like it.

Marty clears his throat beside me and I nearly jump out of my skin. I’d forgotten he was even there.

His pale eyes light with amusement when I finally glance back at him, and I push to my feet to escape his knowing gaze. I busy myself picking some sage to take home.

“I love sage,” Poppy murmurs as I put it in the basket. There’s something in her eyes I can’t read, something electric I’ve never seen before, and it sends a shot of heat straight down my abdomen.

Right. It’s time to leave, before Marty gets the wrong idea.

“My back is killing me,” I lie, and Poppy’s expression instantly shifts to one of concern.

“Let’s head back.” She grabs my wagon, her other hand moving protectively to my arm as I awkwardly get to my feet.

Marty’s brow dips. “What’s happened to your back, Wyatt?”

“I put it out at work,” I mumble, feeling as if I’m about to be chastened. Right on cue, Marty shakes his head with a cluck of his tongue.

“You need to take better care of yourself.”

“It’s okay,” Poppy pipes up, smiling. “I’m looking after him.” She squeezes my arm, and I sigh as we turn toward the gate. “It was so lovely to meet you, Marty,” she calls over her shoulder.

“And you, Poppy.” His eyes sparkle as they move between the two of us. “Take care of my boy there.”

“I will.”

I hobble from the garden as quickly as I can manage, and it’s a relief to get out of there. I don’t know what Poppy’s deal is today, but I’d hate for Marty to think there’s something going on between us.

Especially when that’s exactly what I want.

It takes an eternity for us to get back to the house, and I’m sweating from the heat when we finally close the door behind us. I turn the AC up and slide onto a stool at the counter as Poppy unloads our basket. Sugar circles my feet, waiting for me to pick her up, but there’s no way I can bend to the floor with my back like this. Poppy notices and picks her up, depositing her onto my lap. Sugar climbs onto my shoulder and curls into what must be the most uncomfortable position ever, but I let her. It’s worth it to see Poppy’s lips lift into that smile.

She turns away with a sigh. “What do you want for lunch?”

“Poppy, you don’t have to make me lunch. You’ve already made me breakfast and will no doubt insist on making dinner. You know you’re not my maid, right?”

Do not picture her in a maid’s outfit.

She lifts a shoulder, glancing back at me. “I know, but you’re not feeling well. I won’t do it forever, but please, let me help you.” Her face is so sincere that I have to look away. It’s too much to have someone care like this.

“Thank you,” is all I can manage.

“Besides, you can help.” She places a cutting board, knife, and a pile of Brussels Sprouts in front of me.

I stare down at them with distaste. I’ll eat almost any vegetable, but these are a no go for me.

“What am I supposed to do with these?” I ask. “Throw them in the garbage?”

A laugh bursts out of her. The sound is so sweet that I can’t stop the wide grin that splits my face. Who knew making her laugh would feel so good?

“No, Mr. Ma—” She cuts herself off with a shake of her head, her lips quirking as she corrects, “No,Wyatt.”

Oh, shit. I did not expect to enjoy hearing her say my name that much. My mouth dries, and I pick up a sprout, focusing on it intently. Sugar jumps down onto my lap to inspect them with interest, and when Poppy isn’t looking, I toss one onto the floor for her to play with. She leaps from my lap to bat it across the living room rug, and I smile to myself. When I glance back at Poppy, I’m relieved she hasn’t seen. I might not want to eat them, but I know she does, and I instantly feel bad.

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