“You’re sure you are okay?”
“Never better.”
Once Jack dried my hair and rubbed arnica ointment over the worst of my welts, I got dressed and then I headed back into the kitchen. Making breakfast, thinking it was the least I could do given the extra time he spent with me this morning. I wasn’t sure if he’d stay to eat, but it was worth a shot. He had taken a call from one of his brothers and was still in my room. I tried my best not to listen, but it was hard. My apartment was small, and I was nosy. The conversation was hushed. He sounded angry, but I couldn’t tell. The second I heard my name, I perked up, but shortly after, he hung up and came out.
“Everything okay?” I asked as he walked into the kitchen, running his hands through his damp hair.
“Yeah, all good. Nick has a hard time turning work off, even when it’s a holiday week.”
“Are you guys closed all week?”
“Yeah, we have to be back in our New York City office on the third, but from now until then, it’s all family all the time.”
“That’s kind of awesome. I’m sure you will all enjoy it.”
“So, what’s your plan for the week?”
“Me? Work, but that’s about it. I’m pretty simple,” I said, giving him a wink.
“I don’t think I’d go that far. You are anything but simple, Kyra.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
He laughed, holding his hands up. “Nothing bad. I just mean you aren’t as simple as some may think. You’re definitely not as simple as I once thought you were.”
I rolled my eyes and turned to the stove. “Two eggs, or three?”
“You’re making me breakfast?”
I nodded and just tilted my head, waiting for his response.
“Um, three would be great.”
“If you need to go, you can. I don’t want to hold you up if you have someplace to be.”
“No, I... I just need to head to my place to change before going to mom’s. You should come with me.”
I dropped the spatula, then cursed as it splashed egg all over the stove. I turned quickly to grab a paper towel, only to run right into Jack, who reached for me before I fell.
“Careful. You’ll burn yourself.”
“I—“
“Kyra, I didn’t mean to freak you out,” he said, reaching for the pan and removing it from the heat. “I was just offering for you to spend the holiday with us, since Kensey is out of town.”
“Yeah, right... um… no, it’s okay. I’m fine here.”
I stepped back from him and cleaned up the mess, moving the eggs back to the stove while he stood a little too close, watching me.
“Do we have to do this?”
“Do what?”
“This whole thing where you pretend you’re fine and I pretend I’m too aloof to admit that I want you to come. Because you aren’t fine and I do want to spend more time with you.”
“I am fine, Jack.”
“I saw the tears in your eyes when Kensey called you. It’s been a long time, but I still know you Kyra. You don’t have to lie to me. I won’t judge you for having feelings. People in this town expect too much from everyone. I know that better than most.”
