“Put it wherever it makes sense to you. I doubt Beck cares, and this is your kitchen, too.” It made his inner neat freak twitch not to put things in order for her, but if he was going to convince her to stay, she had to feel like she belonged.
She sent him a smile as she closed the pantry door and tucked the empty grocery sacks into a recycle bin. Then she studied the kitchen, a little furrow working between her brows before she set the morning’s coffee mugs in the dishwasher, wiped down the spotless counters, then replaced seemingly clean dish towels with fresh ones. Once done, she replenished the coffee supplies near the brewer, wiped down the sink fixtures, polished the front of the pristine stainless steel fridge, then reached for the broom.
She was putting his inner neat freak to shame.
“What are you doing, angel?”
“Tidying.”
“Why?” Everything was clean. “Beck said the housekeeper came while we were gone.”
She shifted her weight with a sigh. “There must be something I can do. Organize? Yard work?”
“Are you bored?” If she was, he would be happy to entertain her.
“No. I’m just not used to having time on my hands. But Dad doesn’t need my help anymore, I don’t have homework to finish, and Bridget Lewis doesn’t expect me until tomorrow.” She shrugged. “Maybe I’ll wash up last week’s clothes. It will be such a luxury not to have to go to the laundromat.”
Seth understood now. Heavenly was lost without structure.
When she turned away and headed for the hamper, he grabbed her wrist. “No. Why don’t you come with me, angel?”
“Where?”
“Let’s sit and talk.” And get you back on kilter.
“Everything all right?”
Other than the fact she didn’t know what to do now that every moment of every day wasn’t consumed by responsibilities? “I want to know how you’re feeling.”
“I’m fine.”
She answered him automatically. Because it was true…or because that’s what she was used to telling people?
When they planted on the big white sofa adjacent to the kitchen, Seth unbuttoned his suit coat, looped his arms around Heavenly, and dragged her onto his lap. “Tell me how you felt about last week.”
“Good. It was amazing, actually.” She laid her head on his shoulder. “At first, I was nervous about spending my days alone. Would I know where I was going? Would I be able to drive in this crazy traffic? Would I feel lonely? But I had a great time. Minus the traffic. I still don’t like that. You saw Bayfield’s version of a traffic jam.”
Seth smiled. “Two cars at a stop sign? Yeah.”
She laughed. “Exactly. But I had so much fun exploring, figuring out what was around the next corner, taking it all in at my pace, just snapping pictures and enjoying the little things without having to keep a conversation going. Not that I didn’t miss you guys. My day at Palm Springs seemed really long since I didn’t see you until after six. By the end of the week, I was ready to sightsee with you guys. I was really happy you weren’t too far behind me at Catalina.”
Exactly what they’d hoped for. Seth didn’t mention that he and Beck had let her win their chase in Palm Springs just so they’d find out what she chose to do with her victory evening. He’d been completely satisfied with her choice. He’d bet Beck had been, too.
“We missed you during the day.” Seth lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. “But we’re glad you enjoyed the trip. Tell me your thoughts about the next few weeks. How do you want to approach things now that we’re here at home base?”
She raised her head and cocked it. “Just like everyday life. I’ll start by checking in with all my professors tomorrow. And I’m looking forward to being back in the ER. It’s awesome without Kathryn in charge.” She gave him a little smile. “Thanks for that.”
He nodded. “You’re welcome.”
“I’ve been thinking about getting another job.”
“One where you’re actually dressed?” He raised a brow.
“Get over it.” She rolled her eyes. “I meant something like one of those jobs Beck mentioned at the hospital.”
“You know it’s not necessary.”
“I’ve worked since I was sixteen. And I’d like to pull some financial weight around here, so I’ll need money—”