“They’re looking out for you.”

“Don’t you start. I’ve had it all day from my brother reminding me of that when he came in to do deliveries.” She shuddered. “I know they are, but I’m going stir crazy not being able to do anything. I just want to get back to my normal life, you know?”

I gave her a sympathetic smile. I did know. “When do you see your doctor next?”

“I don’t have anything booked. Why?”

I pulled up at a red light and looked over at her with a sly smile. “Go see your doctor and get a full check-up. When they tell you that you’re fine, there’s no need for them to keep you at home anymore.”

She reached over and clasped my arm. “Oh, my God, Noah. You’re a freaking genius.”

I clicked my tongue and winked at her before pulling away and making the turn toward the road that would take us to the coast. The GPS said it was only a few minutes from here.

“I try,” I said once we were past the intersection. “There’s no chance of you getting a break until then?”

She shook her head. “It’s fine. I think I’m just too independent to be living with my parents, my aunt, and being told I can’t work.”

“You want me to keep breaking you out? I’ll do it. I’ll even buy you extensions so you can hang out of your window and—wait, no. If we play Rapunzel, I’d be going into the house rather than getting you out, and that defeats the object.”

“You just said ‘play Rapunzel’ and all I can think about is role play.”

“Your hair is the right color for the Disney one.”

“How do you know that?”

“Do you know how many classrooms I’ve visited to teach kids about fire safety?” I raised my eyebrows as I made the turn toward the restaurant. “I know all about princesses and dinosaurs and unicorns and fuck knows what else.”

Reagan smirked. “That’s kinda hot.”

I chuckled. “You know what else is hot? We’re here.”

I swear she almost groaned in delight.

“Thank God. I’m starving. Let’s go!”

***

Reagan smiled at the waiter as he filled her glass of wine. I held up a hand and shook my head when he moved to do the same to mine. The last thing I needed to do was get drunk and have to leave my truck out here.

There was always the chance I’d need to get to work quickly. That was the thing with my job—I was always on call, even when I wasn’t supposed to be.

“I don’t have to have another,” Reagan said, the full glass in her hand.

I smiled at her. “Go ahead. He’s poured it now. Besides, I’m driving.” I raised my iced water. “You were right about this place. The food is amazing.”

She nodded and took a sip. “It’s the best Italian place around here.”

“Isn’t it the only Italian place?”