“Me either.” Dejection and frustration mingled, and mixed, bringing her down from the high their bond had provided earlier.
H
er stomach growled.
“Hungry?”
“Starving.”
“Why don’t we head down to the kitchen to refuel and give our minds a rest?”
“Sounds fantastic.”
“Sandwiches sound okay? We’ve already missed lunch and to be honest, I have no clue what’s in our cabinets.”
“Right now sandwiches sound like a five-star meal.”
“Perfect, come on. No more thinking right now.”
“I’ll try not to. But I have one of those minds that never slows down until I finally pass out at the end of the night.”
“Sounds exhausting.”
“It is.”
He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. “Then I guess we’ll have to think of other ways to tire you out at the end of the night.”
“I like the sound of that, General.”
The playful banter continued, lightening her mood like a burst of sunshine after a storm.
“Sit at the table, and I’ll call out ingredients.”
“I can help.”
“No, I can feel how tired you are. Take a load off, and let me do the work for now.” She wanted to protest, but his logic was sound.
“Okay, thanks.” It was an odd thing, having this man take care of her. Get used to it.
“You’re getting good at that.”
“I’m trying.” He opened the stainless steel doors. “Ham, or turkey?”
“Turkey.”
“We have mayo, Miracle Whip, mustard, Colby, Sharp Cheddar, Provolone, lettuce, tomato, and onion.”
“I’d like a turkey sandwich with mayo, sharp cheddar, and lettuce.”
“You got it. How about…” He rummaged through the shelves. “A pear and a glass of water to go with that?”
“Works for me.”
He hands her a bottle of water out of the fridge and went to work pulling out ingredients. She studied him as he made the food. It felt good being linked to this man. It shocked her. After being on her own for so long she imagined the process would be a lot more painful and awkward. It was amazing how exquisite the world had become when she looked with her new eyes. The chaos and pain that surrounded them paled in comparison to the haven they created together. Why was I so worried about our union making me weak? Here lay a strength unparalleled to that she possessed solo.
“Here you are.” Bastien set the plate of their food in front of her.
“Thank you. This looks delicious.”