Page 25

I laughed. “I might need both of those this week.”

He held my gaze for a second, like he understood more than I’d said out loud. “Yeah…you should go.”

I shifted my weight, suddenly aware again that I was still lingering in his doorway. “Thanks for the recommendation.”

“Anytime.”

Another pause. Why wasn’t I leaving?

Rafe smiled. “I was just going to make some breakfast. Want to join me?”

I thumbed toward the hall. “I should probably get upstairs and shower.”

“You sure? Your boyfriend texted and told me to keep an eye on you while he’s away. I think that might include making sure you don’t start any more cooking fires.”

“I didn’t start—”

Rafe laughed. “I’m teasing. Go take your shower. I’ll have breakfast ready when you’re done. Consider it payback for helping my aunt.”

I hesitated. I should’ve said no, even though everything in me wanted to say yes. But I didn’t. “Okay. I’ll be quick.”

“No rush.”

I forced myself to start up the stairs.

It’s just breakfast.

No big deal.

Calm down already.

Heck, Calder told him to look out for me.

Still, I took a little more time in the shower than usual and let my mind wander to places it shouldn’t. When I got out, I wrapped a towel around myself and started digging through my drawers for something to wear. One drawer, then the next, and eventually moving onto the closet.

I blew out a breath.

I was being ridiculous. Who cares what I wear? I was going downstairs to eat eggs, not attend a black-tie event.

And yet…

I sprayed on a little perfume. Took a few extra minutes fixing my hair. Put on eyeliner when I normally just brushed on a bit of mascara. By the time I got dressed, it felt like I’d crossed an invisible line I hadn’t meant to step over.

Or maybe I had.

I shook the thought away. It’s just freaking breakfast. I grabbed my phone, took one more glance in the mirror, and headed back downstairs.

Rafe was standing at the stove with music playing from somewhere. He rocked back and forth, singing along to a song I didn’t recognize. He smiled when I knocked.

“Perfect timing.”

“It smells delicious in here. Did you make something besides eggs?”

“Corned beef hash.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever had that before.”

He paused mid-plating and looked at me. “You’re really not from around here.”