Chapter 8

As I helpedBodhi onto a stool at the kitchen counter, I agonized over what he’d told me. He’d been through so much. What sort of horrible things could have happened in someone’s life for them to abandon their baby? I’d grown up in a boisterous household full of love. Bodhi’s life was so foreign to me. He was so brave. To know how to escape an abusive relationship and be able to do so was an impressive feat. Thinking back on our interactions, the signs of rough treatment had been there. The lack of eye contact, the healing bruises, the evasive answers to my questions, topped off by his anxiousness and jumpiness. He’d clearly been running from something, and now to find out his ex was a lawman, it was no wonder he didn’t trust anyone.

Once Bodhi was settled, I went to the fridge and dug around for something to cook. I had some steaks and veggies that looked okay. “How does beef stir-fry sound?” I asked Bodhi, who was watching me curiously.

“Sounds great, can I help?” His question trailed off as he lifted his wrist in the cast. “I guess I’m not much help right now.”

“It’s okay. Stir-fry’s quick and easy. Not much to do to make it,” I said, trying to reassure him that he was fine. I didn’t want to be condescending or patronizing, but after all he’d been through and the draining day at the hospital, I wanted him to sit and rest as much as possible.

I quickly got to work getting the ingredients out of the fridge and started chopping the steaks into strips. Meal prep was second nature to me at this point from all my afternoons helping Yaya at the restaurant.

“So, we met, sort of, at the garage. Did you say it was yours?” he asked cautiously.

Chuckling, I nodded. “Well, mine and my brothers. Seb and I own it, but the others pitch in when we need it. Only Seb and I are trained mechanics.”

“What do your other brothers do, then?”

“Well, Theo is training to become an EMT. When he’s not in the city for classes, he helps around the shop. Lyric, now he’s a handful. He works at the shop doing odd jobs, but I don’t think he really wants to be a mechanic or part of our business. That being said, I’m not sure he even knows what he wants to do with his life. He’s a wild card.” Shaking my head, I thought of Lyric and his lack of focus.

“From how you talk I’m guessing Lyric is a lot younger than you,” he said with a smirk.

“What are you saying? I’m old or something?” I sassed back. “Yes, he is actually seven years younger than me. I think he was a surprise for my parents because the rest of us are relatively close together, with only two years or less between us.”

“How old are you, if I can ask?” He glanced down at his hands as color crept onto his cheeks.

Smiling to myself at how cute he was when he blushed, I grinned. “I’m thirty-four. How about you?”

“Twenty-four.” He met my gaze defiantly. He did look young. I would have guessed early twenties, with his delicate features, pale skin, and long hair. He had a youthful vibe until you looked at his eyes, and then you could tell he’d lived a life. There was a lot of depth in those irises.

He watched me intently. “I know I have a baby face,” he mumbled.

“You’ll be thankful for that youthfulness when you get older, trust me.” I smiled at him.

Silence settled between us, and it wasn’t as tense as before. I finished boiling the rice, then sautéed the meat and added the vegetables. Covering the wok, I wiped down the countertop and rinsed the chopping boards and knives, then loaded them in the dishwasher.

Turning to face Bodhi, I dried my hands with a dish towel. “Food should be ready in five. Can I get you a drink? I have soda, water, or juice.”

“Water’s fine, thanks.”

I got out the water pitcher and filled two glasses. I set one in front of Bodhi at the counter, then got out bowls and cutlery. Bodhi was looking around, questioningly, between himself and the small dining table I had tucked in the corner of the kitchen in front of the window.

“I thought we could just eat at the counter or in front of the TV, your choice.” I smiled at him.

“Here’s fine. I know I just woke up, but I’m already exhausted.” He sent me a bashful smile. “I’m not sure how long I would last if we ended up in front of the TV.”

“No worries,” I said and dished the rice and stir-fry into bowls. I placed one in front of Bodhi with a fork.

“Thanks, this smells great.” He smiled and tried to pick up the fork with the hand hindered by the cast. Blushing prettily, he carefully switched to his left and dug in.

“I take it you’re right-handed.” I gestured at his awkward hold on the fork.

He grimaced. “Yes, unfortunately.” With a shrug, he continued to eat.

I stayed standing by the stove so we could continue to face each other as we ate in companionable silence. I finished first and went to rinse my bowl and put it in the dishwasher. As I turned back, Bodhi was trying to stand up.

“Hey now, don’t you try and do too much. Give me that.” I took his empty bowl from him and put it in the sink. “At least let me help you to start.” I returned to rest my hands on his shoulders to help him gain his balance on one leg before turning the knee walker around so he could leave the kitchen. “It’s a good thing I have a single story, huh?” I chuckled.

Bodhi glanced up with a smile. Standing so close to him, I realized he was much shorter than me. With my hands on his shoulders, I could rest my head on top of his without stretching. I might even have to stoop a little. He seemed so small all of a sudden. I just wanted to protect him, keep him safe, and make sure no one could hurt him ever again.

Once he seemed steady, I gestured for him to follow me. “Let me show you to the guest room.”

I gently guided him back through the living room and down the hall. I pointed out my room at the very end of the hall and gestured to the door on the right. “This is the guest room and that one over there is my home office and gym.”

I opened the guest room door for him and helped him inside. I’d done my best to make the room homey but not overdone. It had a simple navy-and-white color scheme, with a double bed flanked by white bedside tables. There was a vintage cedar chest at the foot of the bed. There was also a matching white dresser. I guided Bodhi onto the bed before carefully moving the knee walker around so it was by the bedside table within easy reach.

I pointed at the two doors across from the bed. “The one on the right is an en suite and on the left is a walk-in closet. I’ll just go get you a fresh towel.” I quickly left to grab one from the linen cupboard.

I returned, and Bodhi was struggling to push the covers down and climb in. He was trying to push the covers out from under himself while attempting to lift himself up on one leg. He flopped down and fell to his back when he noticed me.

I held in my laugh at his adorable fumbling and dashed over to help. I lifted his legs and pulled the covers out from under him. I waited while he shuffled in and rolled to his side, then pulled the covers back over him and leaned in to kiss his soft cheek.

I pulled back quickly and panicked. Oh my God, what did I just do!?

Forcing my racing heart to slow, I stood and glanced at Bodhi curled in the sheets. “Need anything else?” I questioned, amazed my voice had stayed level.

He just shook his head and gave me a soft smile.

“Okay, good night then.” I all but fled.

I continued into my room and closed the door, leaning heavily against it. Taking a deep breath, I willed myself to calm down. My lips tingled. He’d just looked so sweet and cozy, my body had moved before my brain could register what was happening. Groaning to myself, I ran a hand over my face. Hopefully, he was okay with it and things wouldn’t be weird in the morning.