Page 58 of Shallow Remains

“What kind of cereal?”

He opened the cupboard above the coffee maker.

She saw the box straight away. “Ooh, Shreddies. Have you got any fruit?”

“Some blueberries, but they’re over a week old.”

“That’s fine. I mean, as long as they’re not moldy.”

He checked them. “No mold, just a little wrinkled in spots. You’re okay with berries and cereal touching?”

Her lips twitched. “Yes. Bananas are okay too, and maybe some mango if I’m feeling wild and crazy.”

“I knew you had a wild side. All right, one bowl of Shreddies, comin’ right up. In fact, make that two. I’m starved.”

Lachlan leaned against the kitchen counter with his bowl, long legs crossed at the ankles while Maddy took the stool facing him across the center island. They ate together in relative silence while the dogs all huddled in their fluffy beds, watching them in confusion. Their routine had been completely turned upside down, and they’d been kidnapped to this strange place.

She knew firsthand how terrifying that was.

“I’ll call Mae in the morning and let her know what happened,” she said when Lachlan took her empty bowl and spoon to rinse them in the sink.

“Sure.” He loaded them into the dishwasher. The moment he turned back to face her, she knew he was done tiptoeing around the proverbial elephant in the room. “Tell me what’s going on.”

“I don’t feel like talking about it right now.” Or ever, really. “It’s late, and I’m tired.”

He deserved to know, but she kept those memories locked away for a reason and was having a hard enough time keeping the lid closed right now. She dreaded rehashing everything, revealing how stupid and naïve she’d been. She also didn’t want him to see her differently. Or treat her like she was fragile, likely to shatter at the littlest thing.

She was scared, but not weak. The terrifying experience she’d endured had made her stronger. Maybe she would tell him in the morning, when she was feeling steadier.

He watched her for a long moment. “Sure. You want the dogs in here or with you overnight?”

“With me.” She gathered them up and followed him to the wooden staircase that led up to a short hallway, wrinkling her nose at the wet dog smell wafting toward her.

She liked the layout of the place, the way Lachlan had decorated it. The space felt cozy but not claustrophobic, with a bright, fresh feel throughout. All the windows let in a lot of natural light in the daytime, and the views were spectacular.

“Guestroom’s in here.” He flipped on the light, crossed to the far wall and pulled the Murphy bed down into place. “The sheets are clean.” He pulled open the drawer in the base and took out pillows and a dark blue comforter. “Bathroom’s next door. I’ll get you towels and a toothbrush.”

“Thank you.” She settled the dogs on the bed, pushing away the building anxiety as the reality of her situation closed in.

She wasn’t here for a nice visit. She was here because someone had followed her and sent a threatening message. Someone wanted to mess with her. She wasn’t going to let them take away her independence.

Lachlan appeared in the bedroom doorway a minute later. “Okay, you’re all set. I put a T-shirt on the counter for you in case you want to change into that. No bottoms though. I don’t have anything that’ll fit you.”

“That’s fine. Thanks for thinking of that.” The conversation was painfully polite.

It was driving her nuts. Was it just yesterday that he’d kissed her and turned her inside out? Now they were alone at his place, and she wasn’t sure of their dynamic anymore.

She used the bathroom, brushed her teeth, and washed her face as the deep rumble of Lachlan’s voice carried through the wall. When she opened the door, three little faces were lined up across the threshold, staring up at her.

To their right, at the end of the hall, Lachlan stood with a shoulder propped against his bedroom doorway, arms folded across his chest. “They’re already attached to you.”

She couldn’t help but smile a little. “They’re wondering what the heck is happening.” She knew Lachlan was wondering the same thing. Still couldn’t summon the guts to tell him though.

“I talked to Grey. He’s gonna take my morning trip for me, so I’ll be home until early afternoon. But if you need anything overnight, I’m right here.”

Was that an invitation? Because the idea of crawling into his bed right now was extremely tempting.

She nodded, not knowing what to say. Afraid she might blurt out something desperate and invite herself into his bed. Her inability to read people better always frustrated her, but especially with him.