Page 119 of Reins

He catches me staring and grins. “Or we could stay in?”

“Tempting.” I let my tongue play over my lower lip. “But a break would be nice. What were you thinking?”

“There’s an Italian place in Missoula that Ford used to swear by. Up for a two hour drive?” He picks up his keys and dangles them under his palm. “Then we can stop for some groceries at the big store there. They have a lot better options.”

“I love that idea.” My hobby lately has been practicing new recipes and I have a running list of ingredients I want to pick up.

We’re just about to the truck when I pause. “Want me to ask Pete if he needs anything?”

Since he ended up having to have knee surgery, he’s been pretty limited lately.

“Sure, baby, I’ll get the air conditioner going.” Cade heads towards the truck while I knock on Pete’s door.

“Yup!” His gruff voice carries from inside.

I know he can’t get up, so I push it open.

“Pete? We’re heading to Missoula for groceries. Do you need anything?” As I glance around, it’s hard not to notice that his place can use a little freshening.

“Sure.” He hobbles in using a cane from the direction of his office. “Let me grab my wallet.”

“No, don’t worry about that. You’re letting us stay rent free. In fact, let me come down tomorrow and help tidy things up. I can sweep and vacuum, knock the dust down while you’re healing.” I give him a broad smile.

“I appreciate that.” His gray mustache ticks up. “But I have the housekeeper coming in today to do that for me.” His hand waves. “This place needs more than just a sweep.” He limps in through the loop of the kitchen, appearing on the other side with a short piece of paper. “If you wouldn’t mind?”

At a glance, it’s all very basic stuff. “Not a problem. We’ll see you tonight.”

“You kids have fun.” He doesn’t wait but turns back towards the hall.

Holding the note like a trophy, I trot around the truck where Cade is waiting by my door.

“All set?” His eyebrows raise.

“Yep! Off we go.”

After some of the best risotto I’ve ever had, we find ourselves in the aisle of the huge store, slowly loading our cart.

Cade likes to zig zag, where I like the order of working up and down each row…just in case I missed something.

So we compromise by going in each row.

Fuck, I love him.

“I don’t have toiletries on the list.” I wave the slip as I walk next to him.

I still haven’t figured out if he likes pushing the load of groceries because he’s stronger or if it helps him take a little bit of the pressure off his leg.

Either way, I’m glad I don’t have to navigate the heavy pile.

“You know it’ll bug you if we don’t go down.” His grin tugs up his cheek. “Besides, my belly’s so full I don’t know if I’m ready to sit in the truck for two hours quite yet.”

“Fair. I’m in the same state.” Except I almost felt bloated before we even started eating.

As we pass the deodorant and the shampoo, something funny starts to hit me.

I don’t know how many pads I have.

When was the last time I had a period?