Page 13 of Out of Nowhere

“He left us stew for dinner. How nice of him.” His tone made it obvious he thought Hank was anything but nice at the moment.

“He did?” I loved stew, and I was starving. I got up, wrapping the blanket around my shoulders as I headed into the kitchen.

“Wow, that looks incredible.” I looked to the counter—there was bread as well, and a plate with butter, probably at room temperature.

Kaden raised a brow in my direction. “How did they know stew was your favorite?”

“I don’t know. It’s not like I put in an order or something.”

He moved to the cupboards, looking for bowls, as it hit me.

“Hey, how didyouknow I like stew?”

“Soleil must’ve mentioned it to me,” he said.

Soleil told him I liked stew? Why did that seem so far-fetched? What conversation would lead to my eating habits?

“When?” I asked.

“When what?” he said, as if he’d already moved on.

“When did she tell you I liked stew?”

“I don’t remember.” He filled a bowl and handed it to me, then shoved the bread basket at me as well.

I could keep bugging him about something stupid, or I could eat. Eating seemed way more worthwhile.

The table was small, and its chairs had checked cushions. Everything about the place was cozy and comfortable, but nothing compared to the stew. I’d have to ask Hank for the recipe. It was insanely tasty.I had to stop myself frommoaning, it was so good.

I was halfway through before I noticed Kaden staring at me.

“What? Is there something on my face?” I asked, taking a napkin to my mouth and chin.

“No.” He went back to eating.

I took another bite but could see him watching me.

“Is there something odd about the way I eat?” I said, putting my spoon down.

“No. Not at all.”

“I’m doingsomething, or you wouldn’t look at me like that every time I take a bite.”

“When you like something, you tend to show a lot of enjoyment, like you’re discovering it for the first time. It can be slightly amusing.”

He didn’t seem amused. He seemed cranky as hell.

I shrugged a little. “Well, it’s tasty.”

I wanted to get back to eating, but it was hard now, knowing he was staring at me.

He went back to eating the stew, while I grabbed a roll.

But now he was staring at me anyway. “What? What am I doing now?”

“Nothing.” He took his bowl then went and sat on the couch.

Good. Now I could finish with my back to him.