Recklessly Royal(37)

“We know,” Chadwick and I responded at the same time.

“I forget that she’s been here for so long. It still seems weird that she is royal. You guys got to see the transformation firsthand. For me, she’ll always be the girl that got crapped on by a vulture.” David shrugged.

“Sam got crapped on by a vulture?” I laughed loudly. “Oh, now that’s a story I need to hear.”

“I’ll save it for our date.” He smiled at me and my knees went a little wobbly. It didn’t sound like he was upset about our date. “Whenever you’re ready for one, that is.”

Oh, I was ready. Until I remembered Selene and the help she would need. “It might have to be pushed back a little.”

“You two are a little disgusting, you know that?” Chadwick said. “I think I might drown in the pheromones floating around. And your scheduled interlude is not going to need to be pushed back.” Only he would be able to get away with such a comment without getting sacked. “I spoke with the doctors this morning and Selene is doing very well. She’s sleeping a lot, but they expect her to heal quickly. And if you think you’re going to be nursing her back to health, think again. I’ve seen how you cook, and your chicken noodle soup would land her back in the hospital.”

“Hey!” This time I did put one hand on my hip while I stared him down. Despite my pose, I was too happy to hear Selene was doing well to be truly offended by his jab at my cooking skills. “It’s not that bad. Okay, it’s bad, but it wouldn’t land her in the hospital. You can live on my cooking!”

“Of course.” Chadwick opened his computer back up. “If you also order takeout every night.”

David chuckled. “It can’t be that bad.”

“It’s not!” I sat down in the chair across from him.

“Oh really? Why don’t you tell him how you make macaroni and cheese?” Chadwick never looked up from whatever he was working on.

“I’m never telling Sam anything again.” I shook my head. Apparently my new sister had shared my cooking mishap.

“How do you mess up macaroni and cheese? You just boil noodles and add the cheese!” David leaned forward in his seat, a twinkle in his eye letting me know that he enjoyed seeing me shift in discomfort.

“It’s not a big deal.” I picked at the terry-cloth robe and didn’t meet his eyes. “I added the wrong stuff.”

“Oh, Catherine. Don’t lie. You didn’t add the wrong stuff. You boiled the wrong stuff.” Chadwick snorted.

“You forgot the water?”

I met David’s confused eyes and shook my head. “No. I skipped water completely and boiled the pasta in milk.” Sighing I decided to go ahead and tell the whole story. “Not only did I boil the milk, I refused to not eat my food just because it smelled weird, and ended up with food poisoning. I missed my first two days of classes.”

Chadwick was trying so hard to stifle his giggles that he ended up snorting loudly.

“But I make a mean cup of coffee.” I added in my defense.

“This is important information.” David scratched his chin. “I’ve just learned that I shouldn’t eat anything you cook; and you’re so stubborn that you would rather make yourself sick than admit defeat.”

“I’ve gotten much better at cooking.” David’s eyes shifted to over my shoulder and I turned just in time to see Chadwick touching his nose in agreement. “But yes. I am that stubborn.”

“Good to know.” David’s eyes ran over my body to where my leg peeked out from under my robe.

“I should really find some clothes.” I stood up, careful to keep the material in place.

Chadwick stood up from his seat and grabbed a bag that was hidden behind a chair. “I believe this is yours.”

“Thank you.” I took the bag and headed to my room. Before I closed the door I looked at David and then Chadwick. “How long are you two staying?”

“I’ve moved our schedule around so that David could attend some of his meetings in town.” Chadwick didn’t have to tell me why. I knew he was worried about leaving me with Tabitha. And as much as I loved having him here, Tabitha and I would be fine. We just needed to find our groove.

“Once I’m ready I’m going to the hospital. You’re welcome to come with me.” I meant the offer for both of them, but it was David I looked at when asking. “It would be nice to have a friend along.”

“I’d like that.” He flashed that charming smile and my heart picked up just a little more.