Page 75 of Body Shot

“I need to cook dinner for you sometime.”

“Okay, then.”

“But not tonight.” She makes a face. “Sorry. I don’t like eating restaurant food all the time. It’s healthier to eat at home. But I suck at finding time to shop and cook. Especially lately, with looking after my aunt and uncle and everything else. I picked up a few things yesterday when I was shopping for them, but honestly, after spending the whole afternoon at the spa, I don’t have time to make something.”

“No worries. We’ll order something healthy. What’s your favorite place?”

“EVO.”

“Right, you mentioned that the other day. Vegetarian?”

“Yes.”

Ugh.I square my shoulders. “Okay, I can do that. Let’s have a look at their menu. I’ll go pick it up and you can get some work done.”

“Really?” She gazes back at him.

“Sure.” We move over to her computer on the desk. “So what’s up with your aunt and uncle? You never said anything before about looking after them.”

She brings up the EVO menu on her screen. “My aunt fell and broke her hip a couple of months ago. She’s doing better, but still not getting around well, and it turns out my uncle is as helpless as a newborn guppie.”

Amusement curls inside me even though it’s a serious topic. “So not only are you killing yourself trying to find the cure for cancer, you’re looking after your aunt and uncle.”

“Well, I’m trying.” She sighs. “I’d like a fish taco.”

“Sounds good.”

“I’m surprised you’re not telling me to try something new.”

I give her a slow grin. “Hey. This is new for me. I have to try new things, too.”

“Somehow I don’t think that’s as difficult for you as it is for me.”

I grimace. “In my experience, change is usually for the better. But it can be hard for all of us at times.” I kiss her nose. “I’ll go get the food and be back soon.”

“Thank you.” Our eyes meet, and the connection stretches out warm and vibrant.

“You’re welcome.”

Fuck, I just want to explore how soft and smooth she is everywhere. But I can also be patient. And dammit, I want her to be happy, and if she’s worried and stressed about work not getting done, I’ll find a way to help her with that.

Christ, what is even happening with me? Usually when I’m worried about making a woman happy, it’s whether I should use my fingers, tongue, or cock.

I made the quick trip to EVO and return with our food, which we eat sitting on her couch. The fish taco is surprisingly good. I tell her more about the skydiving and how thrilled the guy who jumped with me was. We’re nearly finished when Hayden’s cell phone rings.

She frowns as she unfolds her legs from beneath her and stands. “Huh. Who can that be?” I watch her find her phone in her purse and peer at it. “Oh boy. Uncle Colin.” She answers the call. “Hello?”

I take another bite of taco as Hayden talks.

“Oh no . . . what happened? Where is she?” She pauses to listen. “You need me to come there? Or maybe you should call an ambulance.”

My spine snaps straight and I frown. What’s going on? I meet Hayden’s worried gaze.

“No, no, I’ll be right there. Okay, just stay with her, Uncle Colin.” She ends the call and grimaces. “Sorry. I have to go.”

“I’ll take you.” I rise too, grabbing a paper napkin. “What’s happening?”

“My aunt fell again. Dammit. She’s supposed to be using her walker, but sometimes she doesn’t. Uncle Colin is freaking out, as usual. I don’t know if he’s overreacting or if she should be going to the hospital, so I better get over there. You don’t have to take me.”

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