Page 103 of Fierce- Royce

“I understand. And you aren’t pushing me, which I appreciate. It’s not the time to talk about this, but know I’ll be at your house when you get out.”

He gave her a quick kiss. “Thanks.”

Hours later he was finally pulling into his garage and opening the door to the house.

He smelled food cooking and realized how hungry he was.

“How is your father doing?” she asked.

“He’s good. Said he’s embarrassed over the panic attack. That all he could think of was that he wasn’t going to see his grandkid when he started to not feel well for a few days.”

“That isn’t going to happen,” she said. “We know that, right?”

“I told him that. He’s not happy Elise is going to be staying with him, but he didn’t argue too much. He’s going to have to take it easy for three to four weeks. No lifting or anything, but he’s been good about that for the most part anyway.”

“Does it bother him to not be more hands on?” she asked.

“I don’t think so. He does some things around the house. He’s not stupid. He’s always felt like he had to be there for us because my mother wasn’t.”

“Now he wants to be there for a grandchild?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“I made some mac and cheese and there is grilled chicken too. Once you told me you were leaving I started the chicken.”

“I’m going to shower first if you don’t mind,” he said.

“Go ahead,” she said.

He went to his room and started to remove his clothes. He pulled out underwear and a clean T-shirt and shorts. When he did, he pulled open another drawer that he’d had empty for Chloe and saw more of her things in there. He walked into the closet and found clothes hanging in there too. Not a ton but a few days’ worth.

He was sure he could get used to coming home to this daily but knew enough to not voice that.

Chloe wasn’t the type to always have dinner on the table for him. Least of all late at night.

She had a career too and she wasn’t going to put her life on hold for him to arrive at all hours of the night either. This time of year, sometimes he’d be lucky to be home by eight. As long as there was daylight they could be working longer.

“Come and sit. Eat,” she said.

“I saw your clothes there.”

“I told you I was going to,” she said. “Is there a problem with it?”

“No,” he said. “I was thinking it was nice.”

“Good,” she said.

He filled his plate and sat to eat. “What’s going on?”

“What?” she asked.

“You. There is something on your mind. I think I know you well enough to know that now.”

“It’s not the time,” she said. “You’ve had a long day.”

She continued to eat, but he couldn’t wait for her to spill whatever was going on.

“I have had a long day. But I also can make time for you. Everything okay? Do you feel okay?”