“Okay.”
He held out a robe to her. “Go ahead and put this on.”
She nodded.
He closed the door behind him and stripped. Any other time, the door would be left open, but he needed to take inventory of any injuries he might have gotten from the fight. He didn’t want her to see anything that would cause her to worry, and he knew he smelled like smoke from the fire.
After a quick shower, he dressed in silky boxers and brushed his teeth. He couldn’t find anything more serious than bruises and a few minor scrapes, so he opened the door and walked out into the bedroom.
Angelica was sitting in one of the chairs next to a small table. He could tell she was nervous, so he decided to bring in the food and get her to relax. A glass of wine would help, too.
He opened his door, grabbed the cart Clarise had set right outside his door, and pulled it into the room. “I think I’d like you to eat a bit before bed. Do you think you can do that for me?” he asked.
“Yes. I am feeling a bit hungry now.”
He set the cart next to the table and lifted the lids off of several plates.
“Oh, my. That looks so good,” she said.
Besides different kinds of fruit, there was cheese, crackers, and thinly sliced pancetta. Some fruit tarts and small square cheesecakes with different toppings, too. The chocolate-covered strawberries made her mouth water. Along with the food, there was ice water and a bottle of wine.
“Go ahead and eat while I open the wine.”
She grabbed a strawberry and bit into it. “Ohhh, I love these. Although I have to admit I love anything chocolate.”
He chuckled. “That’s good to know.”
“I bet you didn’t anticipate ending up with an addict?” she asked with a smile.
“As long as it’s chocolate and me you’re addicted to, I’m fine with it.”
She laughed and ate some more.
He watched her pick a bit of everything. Between the two of them, they pretty much demolished the tray of goodies.
“Oh, God, I’m so full.”
He chuckled. “Why don’t you finish your wine?”
He could tell it was helping to relax her. That and the small talk he started.
She downed the rest of her wine and stood. “I’m going to brush my teeth. Is there a toothbrush I can use, or can I go next door to get mine?”
“No, there are several new ones in the top middle drawer.”
“Okay, I’ll be right back.”
He rolled the cart out of the room and locked the door before turning out the lights and pulling the bedspread down.
She came out and stood uncertainly by the bathroom door.
“Come on, baby. Get in bed while I brush my teeth.”
“What am I going to wear?” she asked.
“Nothing.”
“I’ll be naked?”