Page 31 of Hidden Hero

“I have to eat, and it’s no problem to heat enough for two,” she said easily.

He wasn’t about to turn down the invite, even if he had no idea what kind of cook she was or what they were having. She opened the freezer and pulled out a container. Popping the top, she placed it in the microwave. Looking over her shoulder, she said, “When I cook on the weekends, I fix multiple meals in large quantities. Then when I come home from a long day, it’s easy to pop something homecooked into the microwave. I hope chicken, cheese, and rice casserole is okay.”

“God, it sounds good. Believe me, I don’t often eat anything that doesn’t come from the grocery store’s freezer section, and I know that it’s processed, not homecooked.”

She smiled before slicing several thick slices of bread. After slathering them with butter, she placed them in the oven to toast. Next, she steamed broccoli while checking on the casserole and bread.

After finishing their meal, the cats moved to the middle of the living room to bathe, washing their whiskers and paws.

Jeremy felt useless, but suggesting he help in the kitchen would be pointless. Cora had her system in place, and he thought it would be the same whether she was fixing a meal just for her or for more.

“What would you like to drink? I have beer, wine, soda, water, and apple juice.” Her nose scrunched as she looked at him. “Now that I say it aloud, my selection seems rather eclectic, doesn’t it?”

“Nah.” He laughed. “You’re just prepared.”

“Prepared for what? I never have guests over.”

“Why is that?”

Just then, the microwave dinged, and she checked the casserole before taking it out. She didn’t answer his question but continued to set the offerings on the counter. He moved to pour the water from the pitcher she’d taken from the refrigerator. Pouring a glass for himself, he lifted a brow in silent question to her. She nodded, and he poured a second glass. They were soon seated side by side at her counter, and he dug into the meal.

It only took a few bites for him to groan in appreciation. “Damn, this is good, Cora.”

She lifted a brow. “You’re surprised?”

He chuckled while chewing and then swallowed before adding, “Nope. Just stating a fact.”

A little smile graced her face, and they were silent for the next few minutes as they cleaned their plates. He had seconds of everything, then leaned back and patted his stomach.

“Ready for dessert?” she asked.

Jolting slightly, he said, “Sure. My mom always said I had a sweet tooth.”

She slid from her counter stool and walked over to the refrigerator. He leaned forward to see what she had in her hand. Looking over her shoulder again, she asked, “Is chocolate pie okay? I didn’t ask if you had any allergies or things you didn’t like.”

“No allergies, and I would have told you if I had. Plus, I love sweets, and chocolate ranks as a favorite.”

Her smile widened as she plated two slices. He dug into the pie and groaned at the delicious, creamy filling. “Where did you get this? I try hitting the local bakeries, but I haven’t seen this before.”

“I made it.”

He swung around and stared in mid-bite. Barely swallowing before he said, “You’re kidding? Damn, Cora… this is fucking phenomenal.”

She shrugged. “Thanks. I like to cook and bake. It’s only me, so most go into the freezer, or I take some to work to share. It comes in handy when we have a day where I work straight through lunch or get called in and work late. It’s nice to come home and warm something I made, knowing it’s healthy.”

“You didn’t answer my earlier question.”

A line formed between her brows. “I’m sorry… what question?”

“You said you never have guests over.”

The line stayed between her brows as she remained silent. She rolled her lips inward, and he spied a flash of uncertainty in the usually confident woman.

“I mean, it’s not like it’s a requirement for you to have people over,” he added, both wanting to know more about her and not wanting to make her feel self-conscious.

Finally, she lifted her shoulders. “I realize this sounds unpleasant, but I find small talk exhausting. It’s fine at work because my coworkers and I are used to each other, and generally, our discussions are professional. Having my private space at home is important to me.”

His shoulders slumped. “And here I’ve disrupted that private space.”

---