Page 59 of Family Bonds: Alana & Brennan
When the toast popped, he moved over to get the butter and a knife, then handed her one too and they each prepared their breakfast.
He got plates down, the two of them moving to the dining room table to eat.
The last thing he wanted to do was admit he needed to plant his ass. He didn’t think it was anything more than going so long with no substance in him.
“I’m going to stay home again today,” he said. “Just to get back to it. I’ll text Kelsey soon.”
“I was going to suggest that,” she said. “Build up your strength and at least nap if you have to.”
“I think I’ve slept enough,” he said. Yet he still felt exhausted. “But I do want to get Becca back this afternoon. I’ll need my energy for that.”
“I could get her if you don’t want to go out,” she said.
“My mother will bring her if I don’t want to, but I appreciate the offer.” He wanted to reach over and grab her hand but didn’t know if he was still contagious. At this point it wouldn’t matter though.
She nodded. “You know how to reach me if you want me to do it.”
He grinned and found himself halfway through his first slice of toast. “I can’t believe how good this all tastes.”
“I easily cook better than toast for a meal, so the bar is pretty low now.”
He laughed and closed one eye at her. “Are you going to cook for me?”
“I’d like to at some point.”
He went with his gut and reached for her hand, covering hers on the table. “I’d like that. If you’re still interested after seeing me like this. It’s a bit much for one date.”
“Two if we count taco night and dancing.”
“I don’t mind counting that if you don’t.”
“I wouldn’t have brought it up if I wasn’t going to,” she said, winking at him.
They finished their toast faster than he wanted. He stood up to bring their plates to the kitchen.
“This could be date number three,” he said, trying to lighten the mood.
“Hey, my first night here too. Don’t tell anyone I did it after two dates.”
He liked she was joking too.
“How about you come to dinner tomorrow night? I’ll cook as a thank you if you don’t mind Becca being here. I don’t feel right sending her to my mother’s again after being gone for a few days.”
“I don’t mind in the least. I’d love to. Tell me what you want me to bring.”
“Yourself,” he said quietly. “Just bring you and it’s more than enough.”
A shy smile filled her face before she nodded and gathered her things to leave.
He would have loved for her to stay, but that was asking too much.
She’d already given him more than anyone else had.
18
PARTNERSHIP WITH A MAN
“Alana,” Becca yelled, as the door opened the next day.
