Page 52 of Sackett
But he didn’t.He set the skillet aside and rolled the burritos.
“Here, have a seat and eat while it’s hot.”
He pushed both plates to the other side of the bar where a pair of stools sat, then went to the refrigerator for the jar of salsa he’d seen there earlier.
“Anything else you want?”he asked.
“No.This looks and smells amazing.You said you cook but I didn’t expect you to cook for me.”
Sackett lifted one shoulder and let it fall.Cooking for someone was part of how you took care of them, at least in his mind.Maybe that was because he’d had to learn how to cook way too young, just to make sure he had something to eat.
“I’ll cook for you any time you like.”The words were out before he thought about them but now that he’d said them, he couldn’t take them back.Thinking that made him realize he didn’t want to take them back.He’d meant it.He would cook for her any time she wanted.
She turned and looked at him for a moment.He wondered if she was about to say something, but she went back to eating without a word.
“What’s your plan for today?”she asked after a couple of minutes.
“When you’re ready to leave I’ll follow you to work, then go over to the bar and see what needs to be done.Since I was gone for a week, I’m sure there’s something to keep me busy until we open at noon.After that, work.What about you?”He watched her, not only because he liked looking at her.There was no doubt he enjoyed that, but he wanted to use body language to gauge her thoughts.
“You don’t have to follow me to work.I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
Sackett didn’t bother to argue.He just waited for her to continue.
“After work my sister is coming over for a while.She says we haven’t had enough time together lately.If your shift doesn’t start until noon, what time do you get off?”She didn’t blink as she changed subjects.
“Eight.You want to do something after I get off?”
“I was hoping you’d come back here.”Her face turned pink, as if she was embarrassed to ask him over.
“Sure thing, sunshine.You think they really came to Tucson looking for you?”He watched her face, looking for any sign she wasn’t being completely honest with him.
Selena shook her head.
“No.I’m sure I was just being paranoid last night.Can’t I want to spend time with you?”
“You can.Are you looking to just spend a little time together or should I be prepared to spend the night again?”
“I was kind of hoping you’d want to spend the night.”Her cheeks turned pink, letting him know that saying it embarrassed her.
“I can do that.I’ll swing by my place and pack a bag.”He wanted to ask if it was for one night or longer but didn’t want to anger her by making assumptions.Instead, he would pack enough clothes for a few days, if he didn’t need them, no big deal.
They finished eating and Sackett cleaned up from breakfast then he wandered around, taking the place in and checking out her security while she finished getting ready for work.He found a couple of places he would mount cameras if it were up to him, and if this lasted more than a few days, he’d get Gizmo or one of his men out here to get it done.If she wanted him around, he would make sure she stayed safe, even when he couldn’t be with her all the time.
He'd spent way too long last night, lying in the dark, Selena in his arms wondering why he’d jumped and rushed over here when she’d said her bed felt empty and she was jumping at every sound.Even now he couldn’t say why, only that he hated the thought of her feeling like that.Of her being scared.Especially if there was something he could do, something, no matter how small, to make her feel better.
When had she gotten under his skin?
“I’m ready when you are.”Selena’s voice called his mind back to the present.A glance at the clock told him he’d been wandering, thinking far longer than he’d been aware of.
“I’m at your disposal.If you’re ready, then I am too.”He met her at the door.When she had everything in hand except her house keys which she’d handed to him, he opened the door and held it for her.He gave her the keys back after locking up, then went to his bike, started it, and backed out of the driveway to wait for her.
Once he was sure she was safe at the office, he went by his place and packed a bag before going over to the clubhouse.
“How are things?”Maverick said as Sackett pulled up a chair and joined his brother at the table.
“Good.How’s Dana?”
“She’s got no complaints.”
