Page 21 of High Water

“And these are the leftovers?” I look down at the spread and smile at all the work she’s put into this guy. Kit deserves a good one as much as anyone I know. She’s got such a heart of gold, and she’s taken care of this family and the inn for so many years. Someone needs to take care of her.

“No! I wouldn’t give you leftovers. I made more when I heard you were down for the count. Wanted to make sure you and Bishop had something to keep you fed. I put some soup in there, too, with some freshly baked bread just in case you weren’t up for anything richer.”

“You are a lifesaver, Kit. I appreciate it so much.” I hug her, and she squeezes me back. “I hope you have an amazing time on your date. He’s lucky to have you.”

“Right? Here’s hoping I win his friends over with the food. I heard they’re a tight-knit bunch.”

“Anyone who isn’t won over by your food doesn’t deserve you.” I sneak a bite of one of the cookies she brought, thoroughly enjoying being able to have real food again. I murmur a soft curse. I wish I could bake like this. They taste like heaven. “Seriously. Amazing. I love you.”

“What smells so good?” Bishop appears out of the ether in the kitchen, and I jolt in a way that doesn’t escape Kit’s notice. Her eyes fall over me in a careful study even as she answers him.

“I brought some food over. Wanted to make sure you all had plenty today. I don’t want you to miss any of the game running to the kitchen to make a snack.” Kit turns away from me when she’s finished her assessment and flashes Bishop a bright smile.

“It smells like heaven.” Bishop echoes my thoughts aloud.

“Tastes like it too.” I hand him one of the cookies, and he takes a bite, closing his eyes and letting out a soft moan of approval.

“Here’s hoping Tim has that reaction.” I smirk at Kit.

“Who’s Tim?” Bishop’s brow furrows.

“The guy Kit’s going on a date with today.”

“Well, good luck to him. Hopefully, he shows you a good time.” Bishop smiles at Kit.

“I’m hopeful.” Kit’s practically beaming, and it makes me happy to see her so excited. “All right. Speaking of, I need to go home and get dressed. Grace has the inn under control. There are only a couple of guests right now, and she’s got plenty of snacks and the big screen showing the game later.”

“Perfect. Thanks again, Kit.”

“Of course, sweetheart. Let me know how you’re feeling. I’ll be texting during the game.”

“Sounds good. Good luck with your date!”

Kit takes off and leaves the two of us alone in the kitchen, staring at each other in the middle of an awkward silence. Bishop’s freshly showered, his dark curls at the nape of his neck still damp from the effort. His shirt’s a little wrinkled from being in the car where he had it stashed, but otherwise he looks brand new. Which reminds me.

“I’m good today. You don’t have to be stuck here with me. I’m sure you have better things to do after I wasted so much of your time this weekend.”

“It’s not a waste of my time if you need help.” He gives me a thoughtful look.

“Which I appreciated. Don’t get me wrong. You and your friend, I’m so grateful for you both being there.”

“Not a problem.”

“But I’m good—really. I can walk on my own two feet. Take a shower. The works.” I force a smile to prove I’m feeling better.

“Glad to hear it. I’ve got a couple of things I need to get done around here. I already took care of the horses, but I just got a text from Grace about something at the inn. Guessing she didn’t want to tell Kit and have her delay her date. I’m gonna head over there to see if I can fix it for them. But then I’m free.”

“Good. You should go see your friends. Watch the game. Have a drink. Whatever you all do.”

“That eager to get rid of me?” He smirks, but I see the flash of something behind his eyes that gives me pause.

“No. I mean. I have all this food. More than I can eat. If you want to stay. We could watch the game together. Or you could take it to your friend’s house. Or whatever you want to do. I’m just trying to stay out of your way after all the time you spent…”

“You’re not in the way, Jones. I liked being there for you. It made me feel useful for once.”

“Useful? You saved Levi’s life. I think you’ve proven your worth a hundred times over to this family, Bishop.”

“Useful to you. In the here and now. I know I have an uphill road to earning your trust again, but I just want to make things easier for you and Fallon. That’s all.”