Page 111 of Before Dawn

“I wanted to.” Her voice was soft but certain. “Now eat.”

I let her words settle, still amazed at how she always knew exactly what I needed. I took a bite, the rich, comforting taste sinking into me. “This is really good.” I glanced at her. “Is that whiskey I taste?”

She smiled, leaning against the counter. “Just a little for flavor.”

I took another bite, studying her.Does she even realize what she’s doing to me?“Te aprecio, nena.48”

She hesitated, then said, almost shyly, “Since I know you’ll be working from home tomorrow, I prepped some meals for you.” A pause. “Shrimp, steak, and chicken with fried rice and a side salad. They’re in the fridge. And there’s a smoothie and breakfast burritos, too. So you can grab them whenever you’re hungry.”

I stilled, staring at her. “¿Qué?49”

She shifted under my gaze. “I’m sorry if I o—”

“No.” I cut her off before she could finish. “Don’t apologize. I’ve just… never had anyone do this for me.”

Something flickered in her eyes before she stepped closer, her fingers brushing mine. “I just want to make tomorrow easier.”

The knot in my chest unraveled.

I swallowed hard. “I don’t know how to thank you for this.”

She tilted her head, like the thought hadn’t even crossed her mind. “You don’t have to thank me.” Then, with a small, teasing smile, she kissed my cheek. “It’s just cooking for the guy I really like.”

I held her gaze, heart pounding. “The guy you really like?”

She rolled her eyes, but there was laughter in them. “Yes, Mikkel. The guy I really like.”

It wasn’t just the food. It was her. The way she made me feel like I mattered.

I took another bite of the pasta, letting the comforting taste wash over me as the exhaustion quietly crept back in.

“Eat, get some rest, and you’ll feel better tomorrow.”

I nodded, but sleep felt elusive with the warmth of her care and support settling in my chest.

When Abigail stood to gather her things, a quiet ache settled in my chest. I didn’t want herto go.

“I should get going,” she whispered, reluctance threading her voice like it did my thoughts.

I walked her downstairs, my mind heavy. At the door, she paused, offering a soft smile. “Goodnight, Mikkel.”

My chest tightened. “Goodnight,cariño.50”

She hesitated. “I would’ve stayed, but I don’t have anything…”

Caught between wanting her close and respecting boundaries, I replied, “It’s fine,” though it didn’t feel right.

She smiled faintly, reading me too well. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Before she left, I brushed a curl behind her ear, pulled her close, and kissed her—slow and unhurried, carrying everything I’d been holding back.

She kissed me back just as softly, her hands resting on my chest.

When we finally pulled apart, she was breathless, lips warm against mine. “I think I’m the one who needs ten more of those, now.”

A soft laugh escaped me. “In that case…”

I kissed her again, a lingering touch, then pulled away. “Let me know when you get home.”

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