Page 21 of Recipe for a Curse

He stared at me like he thought I was crazy, but didn’t say anything more as I made my way to my dresser, picked out some clothes and then headed into the bathroom. I hoped Ana had made bread already for the day, as they’d only need to be popped in the oven. If Rio’s appetite kept up this way, I’d have to substantially increase the meal size I was making. It wasn’t a big deal; just meant I might need a trip to town sooner than I had planned.

I got in the shower wondering how he could still look gaunt when he was stuffing himself with pounds of food. Some sort of illness? A ridiculously high metabolism? Not that it mattered, I’d cook for him anyway. How sad it would be to have that sort of issue and be food insecure. It made my heart hurt at the thought. He was always hungry, he said. I hoped I could fix that. If not, what kind of chef was I?

When I got out of the shower, cleaned up and dressed, returning to the main area, Rio had finished the entire spread of food, even going so far as to wash all the dishes by hand.

“I have a dishwasher. You didn’t have to handwash all that.”

He shrugged, looking a little sheepish. “Habit.”

That made sense since who knew how long it had been since he’d had power. “Bathroom’s free. Did Zach leave you other clothes?”

“He brought my stuff up from the sled while you were in the shower,” Rio said and pointed to a bag at his feet. His cheeks turned a little pink. “He had the staff wash them first.”

That was nice of Zach, though I could understand why Rio was embarrassed. His things probably hadn’t been washed in a while. “That’s great. Means you have your own stuff to wear, right? You’re probably more comfortable in your own things.”

“He left me some new things too,” Rio said quietly staring at the bag at his feet.

“Zach is very thoughtful that way. Probably wants to make sure you’re warm.” I waved at him to head to the bathroom. “Get ready for the day, I’ve got to run over and start lunch in a few.”

“I should go,” Rio began, looking away.

“Go where? Were you staying with a friend? We were at your trailer. Zach says it’s damaged beyond repair.”

Rio blinked and wouldn’t meet my gaze. “I don’t want to be a bother.”

“You’re not. Did Zach say you were a bother?” He wouldn’t. I knew he wouldn’t because that wasn’t who Zach was.

“No…”

I smiled, instantly relieved. “Good. Then go get dressed. I can’t wait to show you my kitchen.” Rio’s gaze flicked at the little kitchen I was standing in. “Not this,” I said, waving a hand at the tiny space. “My kitchen. The kitchen of my dreams, where batches of bread are born and the smells of heaven surround me all day.”

Rio’s lips twitched again, like he was fighting a smile. “You really like to cook, don’t you?”

“Yes, sir,” I said giving him a mock salute. “It’s my mission in life. To feed the hungry with tasty goodness. Just tell me what your favorite foods are, and I will make it happen.”

He glanced at the empty containers seeming to gulp. “The strawberries were good. Haven’t had fresh fruit in a long time. It’s not usually at the food bank more than once or twice a year. And I need a lot of protein, so I have to focus on that…”

“Okay, fresh fruit I can do. And protein. No need to pick and choose right now. The manor is stocked.” I began making mental plans of the things I would make for him. I wasn’t sure how much fresh fruit there was at the manor, and if the roads took a few days to clear, we had plenty of preserves and cans. But I could make it all taste amazing.

He stared at me a moment longer, and I wondered what sort of thoughts were going through his head. “Thank you for feeding me.”

“Of course.”

He reached out and touched my face. Just his palm on my cheek, like he couldn’t believe I was real. “Sorry about…” he pointed to the bed. “You don’t need me all over you.”

I laughed. “Um, you can be all over me if you’d like. I’m not opposed. Not sure if you’ve looked in the mirror in a while, but you’re pretty hot.”

He frowned. “I have nothing to offer you.”

“Why would that matter? I’m not looking for a sugar daddy.” A Daddy on the other hand… and hot damn did Rio fit that. I glanced at the kitchen, hoping he didn’t think I was going to require anything for all the food he’d received. Too many years had passed since my time on the streets. I’d forgotten some of the old rules of exchange.

“You’re not required to be into me,” I told him. “Not for food, or shelter, or anything. I really do want to help. Me thinking you’re smoking hot does not mean we have to be anything.”

“Smoking hot?” He smiled a little. “I’m too old for you.”

“Pfft, I like my men seasoned.”

“Like your bacon?” He inquired. “Bit of pepper and jalapeno?”