gotten out, I’d heard Winifred lecturing Jim in her apartment. I doubted she’d be done with him any time soon.
“They’re having a grown-up talk that would make you bored in three seconds.”
“But Jim isn’t bored?” Aden asked.
“Probably to tears.”
“Can we go outside and play when we’re done?”
“You bet. Just stay in the back where it’s mowed.”
They both nodded and hurried to finish.
As soon as they raced out, I cleaned up their mess and started on breakfast for Michelle. My gut was tight with anticipation. She’d been tipsy last night, but not so much that she wouldn’t remember her promise. Would she keep it?
Chapter 10
Twenty minutes later, a sound from across the hall had me smiling. Michelle was brushing her teeth.
After the water turned off, it grew quiet. Worried she might be second-guessing her choice, I went to check on her. As soon as I opened the door, I saw her. She stood by the kitchen doors leading to the balcony. When she turned to look at me, the morning light was her backdrop. My angel, I thought. A slow smile grabbed me at the sight of her stolen pajamas.
“Nice shirt,” I said. Had she been wearing my shirt every night since she’d taken it? I hoped so.
“Thanks. It’s really comfy.”
“I know. Want some breakfast before we face the music for last night?”
She nodded and followed me across the hall.
“How’s your back?” she asked, sitting on a new stool at the island.
She watched me, showing interest in our conversation. No hesitation. Did she understand how badly I’d wanted this? Needed this?
“Fine.” I moved to turn the bacon. “Is the floor behaving this morning?”
I plated up our breakfast, giving her the smaller share of a pound of fried bacon. When I set the loaded plate before her, she eyed the eggs and meat with a hint of distaste.
“Too heavy after last night?” I asked, studying her.
When she nodded, I reached over, picked up a single piece of toast, and handed it to her. “Better?”
“Much.”
I took her plate, content to eat both our portions. She turned slightly so she could watch me.
“I was thinking maybe we could spend the day together,” she said hesitantly.
Did she honestly think I’d say no to that?
“We could all go to the lake again,” I said.
She made a face. “Maybe somewhere less public?” she said. “I’d like to learn more about you, like why a strong, fast...person, such as yourself, could get knocked over by a nineteen-year-old lightweight. And, I’d prefer my brothers don’t see anything unusual.”
“Nineteen?” I echoed. My mind went numb with shock, and I dropped my fork.
When I first saw her in the diner and helped her with David, I’d naturally assumed she was older. And, with every small detail I’d learned of her life before coming here, my assumption had only firmed. She shouldered so much responsibility to provide for and protect her brothers. Too much for someone that young. She needed help and protection. My protection. And instead, I’d let her drink and had taken her into a bar. I swallowed hard, thinking of Winifred’s reaction.
“She’s going to kill me,” I said under my breath. I pushed my food away, no longer hungry.
“What’s wrong?”
I barely registered Michelle’s words as I considered not telling Winifred. It was no use. She’d probably already heard. The door was open, and her ears were far better than mine. Yep, I’d be joining Jim, listening to a lecture. No, wait. She was mad at Jim. I just needed to keep the focus on him. After all, Jim had taken an underage girl to the bar last night. Not me.
Michelle moved next to me, drawing my attention to her growing concern.
“We all assumed you were a bit older than that,” I said as I stood and started cleaning up. “Come on. Let’s get this over with.”
I held out my hand. She hesitantly took it.
“Are you telling me I look old?”
“Ancient,” I said with a teasing grin.
She continued to hold my hand as we walked together downstairs.
Did you hear? I sent Winifred.
Yes. We’re waiting for you to join us.
That didn’t sound good. When we walked into Winifred’s apartment, we found Jim already at the table and Winifred leaning against the counter, her death glare pinning Jim.
“Sit,” she said.
I held out a chair for Michelle before taking my own seat. Michelle fidgeted beside me.
Winifred’s attention remained on Jim.
“Your irresponsibility knows no bounds. What were you thinking, taking her to a bar? Our job is to keep her safe, not keep her