Page 51 of Taming Grumpy Dr. Beast

Chapter Fourteen

Jaxon

Ms. Ketill came intothe kitchen while I was getting myself a cup of coffee. “You seemed to have a pleasant time with Lily and Patches by the pond today.”

“You’re seeing things,” I grumbled, getting out the sugar bowl to heap in four spoonfuls.

Ms. Ketill grimaced. “I don’t know how you drink it like that.”

“Not all of us can be purists like you.” I winked at her.

She rolled her eyes and leaned against the nearby marble island. “True. And shifting the conversation will not make me forget what I was just saying.”

The wind slammed rain into the window. Gone was the sun from earlier and now dark clouds hung in the sky.

I took a sip, deciding to wait her out while listening to the shifting pattern of the rain. If I didn’t comment, then she’d have to give up sooner rather than later. She crossed her arms and stared at me. I guess the two of us were playing the same game.

“Jaxon,” she stretched out the A in my name.

“Ms. Ketill,” I imitated letting the L draw out.

“Well, I’m happy you two seem to get along better. Have you heard any more about her poor father?”

Now that I thought about it, she didn’t say much about his health the other day. Just some vague rambling about her thinking he got better before realizing he hadn’t.

I shrugged. “I should check in with her about that.”

“I think that’s a great idea. You can do that when you tell Lily dinner will be ready soon.”

“I didn’t mean now.”

“I know.” She shooed me away. “Now get out of my kitchen so I can plate the food your overpaid chef made.”

“He’s not overpaid.”

“He is when you know darn well I can cook.”

I paused. “And you already do far too much for me.”

“You act as though I’m old. I’m only in my late fifties I’ll have you know.”

“And you don’t look a day over twenty-nine.” I smiled.