Saved by the Cross (Cross 3)

8 - Interested

"I love using film but there isn't a practical use for it except for gallery art."

"Where's home, Katherine?"

She could lie, but she already had about her name. "Boston. Are we in the city?"

"Back Bay."

She could walk home, but she didn't want to. The fallout would be huge and she liked Gray. It was her Aspen, except if she kissed him, she would be smart enough not to wear the cross. Amelia would never accept her in love with a chauffeur.

"Are you solving world peace?"

She smirked and giggled. "No, I was just thinking. I know I'm here because of your kindness and you could change your mind, but I hope you don't."

"I'll let you know if it's not working."

"Like with your relationships? There must be a string of broken hearts all around the city."

He laughed. "My friend says the world. I have done a lot of traveling."

"What's your favorite city?"

"I like the countryside. Greek islands. The beauty makes me wish I were a photographer."

"Maybe I'll go one day and take some photos for you." She stopped short of suggesting they could go together.

"I'll let you know if I plan to go back. I could hire you."

She laughed. "Maybe I could go as your friend."

She touched his arm, and it felt a little like getting a fix. She hadn't lied, she could go without. Truthfully, she might miss the taste of the French white blend Baxter paired with his lemon chicken more than the drugs.

Gray cleared his throat and took her hand in his. He turned it over and smiled. "In case, you forget your first initial. You and your brother have the same initials."

The K was for Kasper, but she lied to him about Katherine. The guilt put pressure on her head. She shrugged. "I have another one. Did you see it when you took my dress off?"

"It was dark. It was like a bikini."

She laughed. "Good point. Some bikinis might be smaller."

"I've been to the south of France. Here, how are you at cutting vegetables for a salad?"

"I can manage." It had been awhile, but she had kitchen lessons. Wasn't it like riding a bike? Except for baking, she enjoyed housekeeping best, not bathrooms, but dusting, flower arranging, and even vacuuming.

They talked about foods they disliked as they worked together. He disliked Gefilte fish.

"I've never had it. I hate beets."

He nodded. "Me too and radishes."

She paused. "Radishes are okay, but I wouldn't include them if given a choice."

He laughed. "No radishes."

"Fine with me."

When they sat side by side at his counter their arms touched. He took up space, but it made her feel safe.

"How do you meet the women you date?"

"Here and there."

"I've never been good at meeting guys. Seriously, I threw myself at the last guy, but before him, it had been awhile."

"I don't believe that. Honestly, you don't need to throw yourself at any guy to be noticed."

She laughed. "You're being kind. My face is ugly."

"Your face will heal. Half of it is beautiful."

Her blush was only noticeable on one side. "You are handsome. No wonder you like Greece, you're an Adonis."

He gaffawed. "That's a new one."

She touched his wrist. "I wasn't joking."

He looked at her hand. "Here's the thing. I only have one bedroom. If I go upstairs, it will create questions. I'm too big for the couch and you need to be comfortable."

Her heart pounded. "Your bed is big and comfortable. We slept together last night, and I didn't know your name."

"We don't. I'm not expecting."

She moved her fingers in a circle on his wrist. "But if you change your mind, I'll be interested."

She put it back on him and would be very disappointed if he never kissed her. It didn't have to be right away.

"I think you need to heal more, before we consider anything."

She nodded and pulled her hand back. It probably would hurt to have their faces pressed together, or him pressed into her tummy. "This chicken is delicious. I think it is the same recipe my brother uses."

He nodded. "It could be. It's a Trista Montgomery."

"Boston's famous mystery chef and restaurant reviewer. It's hard to believe no one has ever discovered her."

"I honestly don't care. I like this recipe because it's easy."

Doyle had an odd thought. Gray would probably enjoy a dinner with Ivy and Baxter. It was silly because it would never happen.

Needing to change her ridiculous thoughts, she said, "Can I give you a list of things I need? If you give me the totals, I'll pay you when I heal."

"You can order from Target on my phone. They'll deliver."

"Target? Okay." She had never been to Target. She would have to slum it.

After dinner, she helped load the dishwasher. Another skill she learned. Then she sat down with Gray and he opened the app. She picked shampoo, not salon quality, body wash, a razor, deodorant, and her own whitening toothpaste. Then she picked out two no frills bras and a pair of flip-flops. Products from Target and Gray's apartment were a lot better than the tour bus.

"It's like I've opened my eyes. I don't know what I was thinking with him."

"At least one is open." She returned his smile. "But don't hate me if I mention the obvious. Your brain is clearing itself of the chemicals. Every day your self awareness will improve."

"I hope I like you more, not less, especially when I can see out of both eyes."

He took his phone to complete the order. "I hope so too. It'll be here by ten tomorrow."

"On Sunday?"

He smiled. "Yes, on Sunday."

"Thank you." She kissed his cheek and her lips buzzed.

He looked at her, and she put her hand to his cheek. "Sharing a bed might be a lot more tempting than I thought." She bit her lip. He stood up. "We keep forgetting to ice your face. Lie down."

As much as she wanted to heal, she didn't.

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