Page 6 of My Favorite Hero

“There was a leak. We had to open the wall to get to the old plumbing. Seemed a good time to replace the cupboards since they were in pretty bad shape. I planned on having it all done when you arrived.”

“Ah.”

“You’ve been here?” I asked. “You know the layout?”

“Yes. My mom and I stayed in the apartment for a while.”

I made a low noise so she knew I heard her, but I didn’t comment. I sensed a story there, but I remained quiet. I had no desire to know her past.

She wiped her mouth with her napkin. “I’ve taken up enough of your time.”

“Where are you staying?”

She frowned. “Next door.”

“There’s no kitchen. And it would go faster if the place were empty.”

She shrugged. “I can eat out until it’s ready. Plus, I can help put it back together. I’m pretty handy.”

I didn’t respond, watching as she lifted the pizza box. “Breakfast,” she explained.

But she grimaced as she stood, and I frowned.

“You okay?”

“The window was pretty heavy.”

“Do you need to be looked at?”

She grinned, suddenly looking mischievous. “I think you did enough of that earlier.”

I scowled. “I barely looked at you. I’m a firefighter and have paramedic training. I could make sure nothing is broken,” I said firmly.

“I’m fine.” She headed to the door. “This was nice.”

“We’re not making it a habit,” I replied. “I have no desire to be friends.”

She began to laugh. “Oh, you are as grumpy as Lou told me. Do you ever speak without a grunt or a snarl?”

I narrowed my eyes.

“Don’t worry, Thorne. Barney and I will be fine.”

“Who the hell is Barney?”

“My cat.”

“I never said you could have a cat,” I sputtered.

“Too late, we’re a package deal.”

“I have a dog,” I snapped. “He doesn’t like cats.”

She looked around. “Is he invisible? Like your pretend dog?”

I stood, towering over her, realizing just how short she was. “Miller had an infection in his paw, and there was a complication. He’ll be home tomorrow.”

She stopped teasing. “Oh, I’m sorry.”