Page 20 of Wildflower Hearts
“But I can-”
“I mean it.” He glanced at Elias. “Make sure she heeds my command.”
“Yes, sir.”
Bruce walked off down the hallway, and Lyla jerked her gaze over at Elias to find him grinning at her.
“I’m glad you find it funny.”
“I didn’t say it was funny. It’s more like perfect timing.”
“Dinner doesn’t happen at eight in the morning, Elias.”
“No, but breakfast does.”
She shook her head, unable to fight the smile that appeared as she approached Noah’s room with him following close behind her. “Your brother is beyond cranky.” She paused with her hand on the doorknob. “Is he usually that way?”
“Nah, he’s usually drunk or spaced out.”
She chuckled, and they entered to find Noah sitting up, his arms crossed against his chest. He glanced between the two of them. “You guys go to Egypt to get my food or what?”
“Do you even know where Egypt is?”
“Up your ass,” Noah pointed down with his middle finger, “And around the corner.” He twisted his finger up birdie style. “See?”
Lyla glanced at Elias. “See what I mean? Cranky!”
“Hey! You try being stuck in this bed while strangers wipe your ass for you, are forced to eat shitty food for fifty days straight, and see how you like it.”
“You’ve been here for four days.” She settled the tray over his lap.
“That’s right, little brother. Four, not fifty; way to count.”
The younger Kingsley glanced at his plate, eyes narrowing at the sight of the triangular-cut turkey sandwich, the apple set to the side, and the milk container. “Was this all they had?”
“It was all you could afford at the free table,” Elias glared.
“If you don’t want it…”
Noah must have heard the hurt in her voice. His gaze connected with hers. He shook his head and slid the tray closer to him. “No, this is great. Thank you.”
“If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to hit your call button. We’re stretched thin on staff, but I’ll try to get here as quickly as possible.”
“Yeah, uh, thanks again.”
Satisfied, she moved past Elias back into the hallway, pausing outside the door when he grabbed her elbow. “I meant what I said about taking you out to eat. I’ll be waiting when you get off.”
She opened her mouth to protest but quickly shut it before nodding. “See you in the morning.”
Her eyes went past him to see Noah watching the two of them curiously. When he saw he was caught, he whipped his gaze back down at his plate.
The restaurant he drove them to was only fifteen minutes away. She glanced around as they sat at a table near the back. Sheaccepted the menu the waitress handed to her, and the petite blonde informed them she’d return soon to take their orders. As she left, Lyla studied the menu’s pictures and information. She knew Elias hadn’t opened his menu, instead settling in his chair to watch her.
She lowered her menu. “Something on your mind?”
“I can’t help but think how lucky I am in many ways. Ma used to tell me everything happens for a reason, but the day Noah almost died, I didn’t believe that anymore.” He cleared his throat. “You showed up, and things changed.”
“Elias-”
