Restless and sick at heart, she made her way back into the kitchen and took stock of the contents of the refrigerator and cabinets. Deciding that she had all the necessary ingredients for one of her favorite dishes, she began laying them out on the countertop. At least it would give her something to do and lunch would be taken care of. She’d always loved to cook for Ryan when they lived together.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Ryan demanded, materializing out of nowhere and taking the pan she was holding from her. He steered her firmly away from the counter and back into the living room. “Sit,” he ordered once they reached the couch. He propped her feet up on the coffee table, placing a pillow under them. He stood back, his expression lacking the anger of just a few minutes ago.

“Maybe you didn’t understand the doctor’s orders. You’re to rest. Stay off your feet.” He enunciated each word in clipped tones as if he were speaking to a dolt. Well, that wasn’t entirely untrue. She was the biggest dolt in the world for getting caught up in this mess.

He seemed calm. And she was calm, too—at least for now. It was time to get things out in the open. “Ryan, we need to talk.”

He looked surprised and a little wary over her change in tone, but he sat down across from her and regarded her with open curiosity. “Okay, talk.”

“I want to know why you came to Houston.” She was careful to keep her emotions in check as she waited for his response.

He didn’t look pleased with her question. He looked away, at the wall, his jaw tight.

“And how did you know where to find me?” she continued when he remained silent.

“I hired an investigator,” he said after a moment’s pause.

Her mouth fell open. So much for being calm. “Why? So you could accuse me of being a whore all over again? So you could sweep in and upend my life? I don’t get it, Ryan. You hate me. I know what you think of me. You made it very clear when you threw me out of your life. Why the hell would you come looking to dig up the past again?”

“Damn it, Kelly!” he exploded. “You disappeared without a word to anyone. You didn’t cash the check. I thought you were out there hurt and scared—or dead.”

“Too bad for you I wasn’t.”