Page 12 of My Girl to Use

She hesitates, like she’s not used to being asked that, then shrugs a little. “I guess.”

Levi makes a soft, happy noise from his swing, one fist working at nothing. Zora’s attention snaps to him instantly. “You’re in a good mood now, huh?” she coos, stepping closer and brushing her fingers gently over his cheek.

I watch that for a second longer than I should. The way she softens for him. The way everything else fades when she looks at him. It does something to me.

“Give me five minutes,” I say, forcing my attention back to the food. “Then we’ll eat.”

She glances at me again, like she’s still trying to figure me out. “You didn’t have to do all this.”

“I know.”

“Then why did you?”

I shrug slightly. “Seemed like you needed it.”

She studies me for a second, like she’s deciding whether to argue or let it go, then exhales softly. “Yeah…I did.”

Levi lets out another babble, louder this time, and Zora’s lips twitch slightly before she mimics him under her breath. “Oh, really? That’s what you have to say?”

I smirk, shaking my head as I plate the scrambled eggs, buttered toast, and bacon. “He’s got opinions.”

“He always does,” she mutters, but there’s a faint smile there now.

I turn, handing her a plate. “Careful. It’s hot.”

She steps closer to take it, and for a second, we’re standing too close. Close enough to notice the faint flush in her cheeks, the way her eyes flick briefly to my mouth before snapping back up.

Yeah. She feels it too.

“Thanks,” she says quickly, stepping back.

I grab the other plate and nod toward the small table. “Sit.”

She hesitates again, then does, adjusting Levi’s swing slightly before settling into the chair. I sit across from her, watching as she takes a bite. Her eyes widen slightly.

“This is…really good.”

I huff out a quiet laugh. “I’ll take that.”

She shakes her head, taking another bite. “No, seriously. This is…” she pauses, searching for the word. “too good for someone who just showed up and took over my kitchen.”

“Careful,” I say lightly. “I might make it a habit.”

Her gaze flicks up to mine, something unreadable passing through her expression before she looks back down at her plate. “Don’t get used to it.”

I lean back slightly, studying her. “You always this defensive?”

“Yes.”

“Good to know.”

She glances up again, a little sharper this time. “You always this annoying?”

“Only when I’m trying to help.”

That earns me a small, reluctant smile. Progress.

We eat in silence, one that isn’t uncomfortable. Just new. As if we’re both figuring out what this is while pretending we’re not. Levi fills the space with soft sounds, little coos and babbles that Zora answers without thinking. Her voice drops into something warm and playful every time she looks at him.