Page 72 of My Favorite Hero

“Well, I wasn’t charged. I can’t not pay for them.”

“I paid for them.”

I gaped at him. “Why would you do that?”

He turned his head, giving me a full megawatt Jesse Thorne smile. “Because I plan on eating part of those roasts, probably the chicken, and you mentioned meatloaf. I love meatloaf, so I’ll eat that too. I’m paying my share.”

That explained his distraction at the register. Sending me for cereal. Teasing me about it.

I refused to let him see how his words affected me. The way my heart thumped faster, knowing he wanted to spend more time with me. How much he liked my cooking.

“So, the sex includes food, does it? Another rule, Thorne?”

He shrugged. “On occasion. Appetizer or dessert. Whichever you prefer.”

“What if I want both?” I asked, holding my breath.

He reached over, curling his hand around my thigh.

“Not a problem, Pixie. Not a problem.”

Chapter Seventeen

CASEY

The texts started the day he left for his next three-day shift. Simple at first.

I left the door inside unlocked.

I had to grin at his hint.

Great.

Miller ok?

I shook my head.

Yes. He is fine. It’s only been four hours.

Just checking. You good?

Fine as well. Trying to work.

I can take a hint.

Be sure to lock the doors tonight.

What was he doing? Was he worrying about me?

Thank God you reminded me.

I am sensing sarcasm.

You are a smart man.

He took the hint, but it struck me as odd. He usually only sent one or two short texts to check on Miller. He was being chatty.

Later that night, there were more.