“You ready?” When he nods, I indicate for Willow to head back with a click of my tongue and a tap of my heel.
Shepard is standing on the deck, watching us approach, his expression unreadable. I feel Riggs sigh behind me as Willow comes to a stop. Riggs slides off and waits for me to swing my leg over before he grabs me by the waist and lifts me down, dragging my front along his.
“I’ll put Willow away and meet you in there,” he offers.
I’m about to protest, but give in. “Fine. Don’t be long.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I smile and shake my head before heading back to Shepard.
“I wasn’t sure where you wanted to eat,” he says, watching me.
“Kitchen is fine.”
“Okay, good.” He holds the door open and waits for me to pass before following me.
My stomach rumbles as I enter the kitchen and see the food laid out on the table. I look at him with a frown. “I thought you weren’t sure where to eat?”
He shrugs. “Just checking.”
I narrow my eyes at him, but decide to pick my battles. I wash my hands before taking a seat in the middle. This means the guys will be facing each other, which I’m sure will be fun. Not.
Riggs walks in a few minutes later, washes his hands and face, then grabs a bottle of water from the fridge. “Anyone want anything?”
“Water for me, too, please,” I call out.
“I’m good with water,” Shepard says.
Riggs grabs an extra couple of bottles and hands them to us before taking his seat. “This looks good, Opie.”
“It’s all Shepard. I just grated the cheese,” I tell him as he digs in. He looks up at Shepard in surprise. “Well, thanks. I’m starving.”
“I—” The sound of Shepard’s phone ringing cuts off his words. “Excuse me.” He gets up, grabs it from the counter, and sighs when he sees the screen.
“You got the sheriff,” he answers when he puts it to his ear. I can’t hear the other person on the phone, but whatever they say has Shepard grinding his teeth. “I’m on my way.” He hangs up, his shoulders falling. “I’ve gotta go.”
“Shit, man, you didn’t even get to eat,” Riggs states, getting a wry smile from Shepard in return.
“Story of my life.”
“I’ll save you some,” I offer.
He waves me off.
“I’m serious. You’ve gotta eat, and you went to all this trouble. Just come back when you’re done.” The offer is out before I can think it through.
“Really?”
He looks between me and Riggs, who says nothing for a second before he shrugs. “Whatever the lady wants. I was gonna make pizzas later. I can make extra just in case. You can take home whatever you don’t eat because I know cooking for one sucks.”
I don’t know who is more surprised by Riggs’s offer, me or Shepard.
“Thanks, man. I don’t know what time I’ll get done.”
“We’re not going anywhere,” Riggs replies.
There is something in his tone that I can’t quite get a read on. I keep my mouth shut and instead get to my feet to see Shepard out. I meet him at the door as he holsters his gun and puts his hat back on. “Thanks again for the food.”