“You’ll tell me if something changes?” Case asked, a hint of concern in his tone.
I frowned. “Of course. Why? Have you changed your mind?”
“Not at all.” He smiled and my heart skipped a beat. “I’m supposed to set the table, then head up for a shower.”
I nodded before turning back to the stove. Being mindful of Zeke’s request to keep the carb count to a minimum, I was making egg white omelets this morning, stuffing them with red and green bell peppers and spicy sausage. Since I was merely using the ingredients Zeke had on hand, I could only assume he wouldn’t be opposed to my choices. So far, he hadn’t complained about the meals I had served.
Of course, that had my mind drifting to the restaurant. I’d started writing down some of my favorite recipes in an attempt to come up with a tentative menu. I was eager to get this endeavor underway even if I was enjoying the break from it all.
“Do you know what the plan is for today?” I asked when Case grabbed the silverware and headed to the small table in the breakfast nook.
“He hasn’t told me.”
Maybe that was a conversation we would have over breakfast.
“All right. I’ll be back in a minute,” Case declared before practically jogging out of the kitchen and over to the stairs.
I put the finishing touches on breakfast, hoping like hell Zeke would approve of my choice. Case wasn’t a picky eater, and for the times he wanted something specific, he never hesitated to tell me. Being that he was a conscientious eater—paying close attention to balancing protein versus carbs and fat—I had learned to cook for him appropriately. Zeke was an entirely different beast. Aside from mentioning he didn’t want carbs, he hadn’t given me any clues as to what he preferred. And holy shit, between the two of them, they could put down some food.
I was just shucking my jeans off when the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs alerted me to Zeke’s return. He walked into the kitchen looking like a shiny penny in his gray slacks and white button-down shirt, currently open at the neck. Since he’d spent the majority of the weekend wearing well-worn jeans and little else, it was a little shocking to see him so nicely put together.
The tats on his neck were still visible, but all the others were now covered up. Still, I had a hard time picturing him at his corporate gig, although I’d seen him there with my own two eyes.
Without a word, Zeke walked over to the refrigerator and pulled out several packages. I recognized them as Tank’s food. I didn’t offer to help because I had noticed Zeke enjoyed doing things for Tank. The man spent a ridiculous amount of time with the dog. They were outside for hours playing ball, sometimes going for a walk around the property. At night, when Zeke watched television, Tank curled up beside him on the couch, and when Zeke went to bed, Tank followed.
“Anything you need me to order?” Zeke asked, his deep voice startling me.
“Uh…” I glanced over at him, not sure what he was referring to.
“Food for the week,” he said simply. “I’m sure you’ve run through most of what I had. Not used to feeding more than one.”
A sheepish smile curved his mouth and I felt my insides tighten. I wasn’t sure I’d seen Zeke smile at all. Ever.
“I made a list,” I told him, keeping my tone firm. “I’m takin’ into account your request for low carbs for the meals I’ve planned. If there’s somethin’ specific you’d like, I’ll gladly amend my menu.”
He stood tall. “No complaints. I’m actually impressed. You’re a great cook.”
I knew my eyes were wide, but I couldn’t help it. That was the only compliment he’d given me, but considering this was my life, it meant everything to me.
“Thank you,” I said, turning back to the pan before dishing out the last omelet. “Breakfast is ready.”
“Great. I’m starving.”
After setting Tank’s food bowl on the floor, Zeke headed toward the table. He glanced around, obviously in search of something. A minute later, he returned with a carafe of orange juice and the stainless-steel coffeepot.
He waited to sit until Case was jogging down the stairs.
“Let’s eat,” Zeke stated. “Then we’ll head to the office. Figured maybe you’d like to get out of the house for a bit.”
My eyes darted to Case, curious as to whether he’d noticed the eerie change in Zeke. Gone was the stern, no-nonsense man and in his place…
I wasn’t sure what this was.
FOURTEEN
ZEKE
“YOU LOOK DIFFERENT,” LANDON STATED when he found me in the break room seeking my third cup of coffee of the morning.
“Got a haircut,” I told him. Granted, my shiny bald head looked the same as it did every day.
