Luis stretches carefully, testing his shoulder and wincing.
“Or maybe you can just have a really sleepy couple of days.” I’d rather him be a little out of it than in constant pain. As long as he’s here, I can make sure he’s not doing stupid shit under the influence.
“I’ll try a half dose,” he compromises.
“Deal. Mateo brought your stuff,” I point at the bag. “I’ll bring you your meds after you eat something.”
“Thanks, kiddo.”
I reach out and squeeze his hand, fighting back the tight feeling in my ribs. “You can thank me by taking care of yourself and living forever. You scared the hell out of Mateo and me.”
“You two…” He shakes his head.
“… Will keep worrying about you for as long as you live and there’s nothing you can do to stop us,” I finish for him.
Luis rolls his eyes. “By now, I should know better than to even try.”
“And they say you can’t teach old dogs new tricks.”
Luis laughs and shoos me out of the room. “Get out of here with that mouth!”
I scoot out into the hallway, still laughing as I shut the door. Mateo is in the dining room, his plate still full in front of him.
“You didn’t have to wait for me,” I say, taking the seat across from him.
He shrugs. “I didn’t mind.”
Mateo watches me, fork in hand as I take a bite of the eggs. His eyes don’t leave my face until I’ve chewed and swallowed the mouthful.
“What? Why are you watching me?” I ask, bewildered.
“Just making sure,” he says, taking a small, tentative bite. Almost like he’s testing to make sure it’s safe.
“It’s edible. I’m not that bad of a cook,” I exclaim.
He chuckles softly. “I don’t doubt your abilities, Jules. I was just being careful.”
“Is this because of the sugar thing?”
He smirks. “It left an impression. Dad still double checks his sugar before adding it to his coffee.”
“Pfft. I was a kid when I pulled that stunt. I’m a fully grown and educated woman who can totally avoid collateral damage.” I bat my eyelashes at him sweetly.
He eyes me skeptically, a smile playing at his lips. “You’re scarier than ninety-nine percent of the SEALs I’ve worked with. You know that?”
“I’m kind of disappointed the other one percent beat me out, but I’ll take it.”
Something has been eating at me, and I have to ask. “Why’d you retire? Luis was just saying you had at least five more years.”
Mateo presses his lips together, sitting back in his chair. “I got injured on an assignment and they moved me to a desk job. It’s not supposed to be a demotion, but it sure felt like one. I hated every single minute.”
I frown at him. “Luis never mentioned an injury.”
He shrugs. “I didn’t make a big deal out of it. I didn’t want him to worry for no reason. I didn’t even tell him until I was in rehab.”
“Rehab? How bad was it?” I’m getting alarmed now. You don’t exactly go to rehab for “no reason.”
“Nothing a little physical therapy couldn’t take care of.”