When he leaves, Mrs. Lindt comes with a warm bowl of porridge, which Derik quickly takes from her. He insists on feeding me even though my hands are perfectly fine.
It feels good to be cared for by the man I love.
“Something’s bothering me,” I say after finishing the food. My bed is raised so that I’m slightly sitting up, making me a lot more comfortable.
“What?”
“My parents died in a car accident. Do you think it was just a coincidence that I got into one? I mean…” I trail off and fill my lungs with air as ideas come pouring in. “Mason has no motive to kill me. For sure, his goal was only to get rid of me as a rival in the company, right? Besides, my instincts are telling me that the time we spent together and the connection we had was genuine.”
Derik winces.
“What are you saying?”
“I mean, I feel like he really saw me as a friend. It was sincere. He wouldn’t kill me.”
He falls silent for a moment before grunting in response.
“We’ll know soon enough. Don’t think too much. You need to rest.”
“Derik…”
“Don’t worry. I’m here. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
His voice is full of conviction. I trust him. The whole world could turn against me, and I’d still blindly follow him, believing and obeying every word he speaks, because I’ve come to realize over time that his top priority is always my well-being, even over his own.
For the last three years, he’s always done things in my best interest.
There is no one more dependable than my man.
Yes, my man.
Chapter 18
DERIK
“Y ou’re so sexy with your apron on.”
“What about without?” I tease, scratching the tip of my nose as I meet Natalie’s mischievous gaze and put the dishes down on the table.
Mrs. Whittle and Mrs. Lindt have taken a few days off after I convinced them to rest. The old women deserve it for having stayed and cared for Natalie these past months. I’ve taken on the task of cooking our meals for the time being.
She rolls her eyes, averting her gaze with her cheeks flushed. She settles on an empty chair and inhales the scent emitted by the cheesecake in the oven, looking like an eager little hamster.
“I never knew you could cook,” she comments, eyeing the steaming salmon.
It’s been a week since Natalie’s casts were removed. To my relief, she’s already able to walk on her own and her wounds have healed well. Her bone surgery was successful, and she’s undergoing physical therapy for a full recovery.
“I couldn’t. William bought me a few cookbooks.”
I cock a brow, then take a slice and place it on her plate with pride.
She frowns. With an apprehensive expression, she pokes the fish on her plate as if making sure it’s not still alive. The look on her face is amusing, and I can’t help pinching her cheek.
“It’s not that bad. Try it.”
She winces.
“Is this your first time cooking?”
I chuckle heartily. Her innocence never fails to tickle me.
“Do you think, I, Derik Lewis, have the time to cook every day?” I ask haughtily.
Raising her head, she meets my gaze with a scowl.
“Can’t we just order food? I might get food poisoning at this rate. I don’t want to go back to the hospital!”
Feeling my brows twitch, I sit on the chair next to hers, grab a fork and start eating. She knows how picky I am when it comes to food. If I can’t convince her with my words, I know my actions will.
I can’t blame her though.
It really is my first time cooking.
Following my lead, she tastes the dish, making a slurping sound with the soup.
I’ve done my research and made sure to prepare foods that will help to heal her bones. And William, before flying back to San Francisco, showed me how to use the kitchen.
“Not bad,” Natalie chirps.
