Granted, it seemed Westgrave didn’t have that anymore.
North Crossing did, before I even came around. It wasn’t my place to step in, and they trusted him far more than they ever wanted to trust me.
I wanted to at least have lunch on the table by the time they got home. I wasn’t exactly an expert on the men in this house yet. I didn’t have their records and histories, but I knew enough to get started.
Thankfully, they had a schedule stuck to the fridge telling me when their long practices and game days were. The one pending on Friday was the only one I had committed to memory.
They might not appreciate me going this far and taking over, but I really needed something to focus on. A way to connect to the girl I used to be, to the things that made me happy, to ground myself.
And this was it.
After organizing the kitchen and putting the food away properly, I started washing all of the containers I’d purchased. Maybe it was a little extra, but I’d even color coded them so there was no confusion.
Music blared as I chopped the vegetables and started the rice and beans, the kitchen soon filling with the savory, vibrant spices of Mexican food.
Burrito bowls were always a hit for everyone. I even made two types of homemade salsa, one without spice and the other appropriately spicy. I wasn’t sure what the others liked, but I knew Conrad loved him some spice.
I had just finished sautéing the steak and chicken when the front door burst open. They were talking loudly until I heard somebody groan. I bit back a laugh and quickly dished up thechicken and steak, a full buffet ready for them when they walked in.
Crossing my arms, I leaned my hip against the counter, waiting for them to enter.
Conrad was first, his face eager. “I knew I smelled it. You made the salsa, didn’t you?” He was going right for the deep red sauce that was waiting. He snagged the big bowl of chips and salsa and plopped down on a stool to dig in.
“Only for you, dear brother,” I teased.
“What is all this?” Mason asked as he came in. He rubbed his eyes before blinking at me. “Is she real? Is this a mirage? Am I just dying of hunger and making all of this up?”
Lennon shoved him through the door. “I’m too hungry for your dramatics.”
“Then you’re in the right place,” I said, grabbing the first bowl and looking up expectantly.
Conrad jumped up and shoved his way to the first spot, giving me the smile I’d missed over the past years. “You know I’m first in line, sis.”
“The usual?” I asked, fighting the urge to cry. This felt like such a big moment, and then I felt overdramatic.
He glanced at the spread before nodding. “A little bit of everything. Extra salsa.”
“You got it,” I said, quickly dishing up his bowl before sliding it over. He grabbed a spoon instead of a fork, digging right in.
“Have I mentioned how much I missed your cooking?” he rumbled, dropping into a chair at the table this time and giving his bowl his full focus like it was his long-lost love.
Mason was next, handing his bowl over. “You know I’m not afraid of spice,” he said, giving me his usual cocky smirk. I shook my head, pointing to each item and waiting for his approval before adding it in until he had a heaping bowl as well.
His reaction was nearly the same as my brother’s.
Cade, as usual, kept his distance, not getting too close to me. “I’ll take everything. Not the hot salsa, though,” he said.
“Oh, the alpha doesn’t like spice.” I pressed my lips together to stop myself from laughing.
“Not in my food,” he retorted, his eyes a bit too intent.
“Fair enough,” I said, filling his bowl and sliding it across the kitchen island.
I tipped my head at Lennon. The redheaded delta looked exhausted. Before I could ask what he wanted, I started dishing him up the things that might give him energy, extra protein and rice, hoping the carbs and boost of protein would help.
“What, I don’t get to give my input?”
“You will,” I said. “I’ll even let you pick the salsa. But you need something to pick you up. You look exhausted. Actually, I did get some stuff to make energy shots. I’ll make that while you guys are eating.”
