Page 21 of Surrender

Serenity

The next morning, I wake with a start. I hadn't remembered falling asleep, but in an instant, I remember I fell asleep in Declan's bed, next to the man. His breathing had managed to lull me to sleep finally. As did his reassurance that I didn't have to worry about the clothes, or what he thinks or does. I'm not sure I fully trust him not to yell at me again, or that I really don't have to worry about what he thinks of me, but the idea of it is reassuring. I hadn't realized how much weight running my parents' household was.

I hear voices down the hall and the smell of bacon wafts into the room.

I'm starving, so I excitedly hurry to the kitchen, where Declan is sitting at the kitchen island, on a tablet of some sort, and Magda is frying up some bacon.

"Good morning, lovely." Magda greets me with a warm smile, but when Declan looks up from his tablet and his eyes drop, I realize I'm still only in his T-shirt and boxers. His gaze snags briefly on my chest and I look down to see my nipples are pebbled against the thin fabric of his undershirt.

I cross my arms over my chest and step backwards. "I'm... just going to go... change..."

"Put on running clothes," Declan barks, his focus back on his tablet.

"Running clothes?"

His nostrils flare. "Did I stutter?"

Jeez. I guess he's not a morning person. Instead of taking it personally, I retreat to my room and put on what I'm guessing are running clothes. I find a pair of running shoes in the shoe rack of the closet and put them on, marveling at the perfect fit. I do have to give Vivek credit; he's definitely a pro at his job.

Just as I come back Magda serves Declan and the seat next to him two large plates, loaded with eggs and bacon.

"I hope you like eggs and bacon. Declan requested them for you."

"For me?"

He doesn't look up from his tablet as he grumbles and stabs a spoonful of eggs into his mouth.

"I usually just eat a muffin from the cafe."

Declan looks up then, at my defiance, I'm sure, and gives me another once over. "Protein is better in the morning. I've been reading up on your... conditions... and protein is better than carbs. Less sugar spikes. It could help. And then there's the running..."

I just catch the tail end of Magda's smile as she turns away from me and pours a mug full of coffee. He did research on me? On ADHD and anxiety? And had Magda make something specific to help me? I'm moved by his thoughtfulness. I want to thank him, to express my gratitude, but I'm trapped on the spot, not knowing what to say.

Instead, he speaks first.

"It's scrambled eggs, Serenity, not the Mona Lisa. Sit down and eat."

I smile as he pulls us back into our normal dynamic.

"How do you take your coffee?" Magda asks sweetly.

"Just milk please."

He's right, the high sugar and carbs of my morning muffins and extra espresso in my lattes from Jammin' Java probably didn't help my anxiety any. Or my ability to focus.

I sit on the stool next to him, and dig in.

"Decaf," Magda whispers as she sets the coffee in front of me, as if it's a grand secret.

"For my... conditions..." I ask, peeking at Declan, to see if we're friendly enough to tease each other. I like that he didn't share my personal information with Magda, although anyone who spends enough time with me will certainly catch on.

After a delicious breakfast, Declan changes into his running clothes and ushers me out the front door. In the little front garden area, he leads me through some stretches before our run. It's one of those rare September mornings that is blessedly cool, even in the oven that the city streets and buildings usually cause.

"Try to keep up," is all he says before he takes off in a light jog.

"I don't run!"

But I broke into what felt like an uncoordinated jog next to him, dashing around others walking on the sidewalk. Already winded by the first stoplight, I rest my hands on my knees and gasp for air.

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