Page 41 of Heat Haze
Even if Toro’s changed his eating habits I have to question his motives. Is it because he actually cares, or is it just because he wants to kiss me? Does he even understand the morality of it?
It’s probably unfair of me to expect him to, though. For him, that’s just how things were growing up. Even if his reasons are muddled, at least he changed. The end is the part that matters.
I hope.
“Afternoon...” Mr. Tavera grumbles as he enters the kitchen. It seems more towards Alma though, so I keep quiet as he walks right by me and takes the seat across from her. “What are you doin’, Nico?”
My limbs go rigid when he addresses me directly, and I force myself to smile warmly and try not to start shaking due to the sheer amount of nerves I get when face to face with this man.
“Making soup,” I say quickly. “For Toro.”
To my surprise Mr. Tavera grins at me, hand on his knee. “You really are some type’a little housewife, huh? How was the barn? Probably ain’t ever did somethin’ like that at home.”
Holding in a physical recoil to his words, I laugh sheepishly and just shrug. “Uh… No, not really. We didn’t really have to do that kind of thing back home.”
“I guess it ain’t all bad. Even if yer’ a guy it’s… Still okay, I reckon. I was talkin’ to Lucio about it.” He shifts in his seat, peering over at Alma. “You don’t mind the help, right princess?”
“Of course not, pa.”
Mr. Tavera flashes me a winning smile, just as fake as the one he gave me the day I met him. “Well, that’s good. It’s good to have ya around, Nico.”
With a shake of my head I stir Toro’s soup, the broth beginning to bubble up at the top. Removing it from the element I put some in a bowl for him, awkwardly glancing back at the two Taveras who are just watching me now.
“Once yer’ done can you go fetch all the eggs from the chicken coop?” Mr. Tavera asks, eyes boring through my skull. “There’s a basket n’ stuff already in there. Just bring them back here.”
“Yeah, of course.” I’m in no position to deny a request from him, and gathering eggs seems like the easiest thing on the planet. “I’ll do it once Toro’s sleeping again.”
There’s no further conversation to be had with him, so I take the soup and scurry back to Toro’s room. He’s still curled up in bed, looking extra peaceful with his eyes shut and an extra wide smile.
He must be having a nice dream, and I don’t wanna ruin that just yet. I set the soup down on the bedside table, reaching out to gingerly stroke his hair. With a sleepy murmur his hand darts up to grab my wrist, pulling my hand down to his hair to the side of his face.
“Nico…” he says all dreamily, a low rumbling sound following suit. My boyfriend is so freaking cute I want to bite him, but that’s probably wrong so I brush my thumb back and forth over his cheek instead. I think the soup can wait just a little longer.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
“Yummy,” Toro garbles with a mouthful of chicken and noodles. Golden broth drips onto his shirt, which is already stained with sweat thanks to his fever. It’s gotten better, but it’s not gone yet. “Thanks, Nico.”
“You’re welcome,” I say sitting cross-legged between his tree trunk thighs. “Do you feel a bit better, sweetheart?”
The nickname makes his expression brighten just a bit more, his forehead finding its way to mine so he can bash them together aimlessly. “Yeah.”
“You still need to rest,” I make sure to add before he starts getting any ideas. “Your dad asked me to get the eggs from the chickens, but I won’t go until you’re sleeping. Okay?”
“Stay.” He protests, grabbing my forearm. It’s not firm, I could easily pull away if I wanted. “Please?”
I shake my head no. “Can’t. Your dad asked, and you know I don’t wanna get on his bad side.”
Toro makes a face but doesn’t argue further, pulling me into a tight hug. He’s gross and sweaty but that’s okay, I’m just glad he isn’t dying in bed anymore. I kiss under his chin, which makes him huff in response.
“Want you,” he pouts. “Stay…”
“Toro.”
Another huff. “Fine.”
“Don’t be like that,” I laugh at him, leaning back to admire how cute he is when he’s being all pouty. His chin rests on top of my head, and I hear how he tries to hide his little yawn.
I gently push him down on the bed, climbing on top of him. “You’re tired. Take another nap, Tor. You’ll feel a lot better when you wake up.”
