“What put that smile on your face?” His own lips were curled upward too.

“Just remembered the last time we had watched Die Hard,” so used to giving him honest answers, I replied automatically. Kade’s smile broadened, and I quickly changed the subject so he wouldn’t read too much into it. “And I appreciate our new home even more now, how spacious it is. It will look amazing once we’re finished with deco. I hope our friends won’t think we’ve turned into snobs—” Kade’s chuckle stopped my ramble. He waited until I met his eyes filled with warmth.

“You're so cute when you're flustered. I missed it.” My tease of a lover winked.

Before the accident, we’d often launch into funny banter, sometimes end up cuffing each other. What did I do now in response? Of course I looked away. Because a part of me immediately harped Kade wouldn’t need to miss it if I had gotten home sooner.

I 'congratulated' myself though; I’d managed to hold out for full five seconds before blame and anger seeped into my thoughts. A record.

“Yeah, yeah …” I didn't have a better retort to counteract with, my mind too busy bristling at his compliment and basking in it at the same time.

I was glad to be one of those lucky people who didn't show when they blushed, even when Kade's intense eyes made me heat up. My cheeks felt warm, but I knew there would be no tell-tale signs of redness, my blush untraceable unless touched. Kade, of course, had touched me countless times and knew how his words affected me.

“Just remember that while you continue to ogle certain recovering people with those piercing silver eyes of yours, some of us are actually starving for real food,” I reminded him. Hah, turned out I still had some spunk left in me. Take that, dear lover!

“Hmm, good point,” Kade mused, pursing his lips. Just when I thought I had the upper hand on this one, his mischievous tone turned the tables. “I’ll order take out and then continue to ogle you in peace.” I narrowed my eyes, lips turning up into a snarl at his smug expression. He could shove that dare of his where the sun didn't—“Aye, Aye, Captain!” He saluted with humor and went to work without another word, chuckling.

Good choice!

I used the opportunity to retreat into the last room, mostly empty save for a handful of boxes. We haven't decided what to turn this room into. A guest room, a second office, or a games’ room with a poker table? I slumped against the wall.

Yes, I hid here because the room was conveniently behind the kitchen, safely away from my man's captivating presence.

Kade. My teeth gritted in frustration, knowing he needed to hold back for me.

I should be sitting on the countertop beside Kade, keeping him company, teasing him about carrots sliced too thick, about something burning, or some other nonsense. He’d tease me back or come over to shut my mouth with his lips.

All that was impossible now. I couldn’t look at my lover without anger and blame starting to seep in. How was I supposed to shut those negative thoughts down? When would the damned hospital release me from its clutches?

I had to stop using my beloved muse as my personal scapegoat. He didn’t deserve any of it, and I wanted my life back with him, now! I wanted to hug and kiss Kade in peace without irrational anger ruining the moment!

A strong throbbing fused with a dozen prickling needles in my head stopped my pointless musings. I glowered at the closest box in front of me while taking deep breaths and waiting for the worst of the pain to pass. In these last few days, such and similar headaches had become an indication when I worked myself up. A clear signal to switch the train of thought and calm down or risk passing out from pain.

Take it slow, the doc had said, allow your mind to heal. The problem? Patience was not my forte and never had been. And I was even less patient knowing it was me who hurt and kept Kade at a distance.

I missed his touch, his attention, his control over me, and I could have all that again … If only I could somehow stop freaking blaming him for something he wasn’t at fault to begin with! I was the one who had gotten into the accident! It was my lazy ass that ignored a seatbelt! I was the one triggered by hospitals! I—

A knifelike pain sliced through the left side of my head, blurring my vision and mercilessly reminding me that I was still thinking about something I shouldn’t be.

Deep breaths, Evan. Don’t think. Nothing but deep breaths.

I didn’t realize the tremble in my right hand until after it stilled. Great. I had worked myself up without noticing. Again.

When I left the room, I was surprised that something smelled nice so soon. How long had I been holed up in there? 

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