Primed: A Kayla Madison Story

Primed Part 29

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: A GOOD HEAD-BUTT WORKS WONDERS

Michael's bed was so comfortable, I was reluctant to leave it when morning came. Considering how uptight Michael always seemed to be, I had expected him to sleep on a wooden pallet or something similar. Of course, since I had found contraband in his room and now knew more about his past, maybe I had pigeonholed him into a smaller box than his personality deserved.

I forced myself out of the bed and put on the same outfit as yesterday. I dug out a toothbrush and comb, grateful once again for my mom who had made sure the emergency toiletries had been packed.

Since this world expected more social niceties, I pulled a couple of pieces of paper from my bag. I wrote a quick note of thanks to Michael for sleep in his room on one of the papers. With the other, I made a paper crane—the epitome of my one creative ability. I left both on his end table.

The sun was almost completely up by the time I walked in the living room.

Jake and Dad must have still been asleep in the guest room. Michael was perusing a document and Spyder's lids were shut. I sat down on the sofa next to Michael.

He stood immediately and didn't look at me. "Let me get you some tea."

The tea obsession on this world, or at least in Coronado Prime, was intense. I assumed the Boston Tea Party hadn't happened on this world. After all, I couldn't imagine anyone here wasting tea even if it was to make a statement.

Michael returned with a tray containing two cups, a teapot, napkins, sugar and milk. He handed me a cup.

"Thank you for letting me sleep in your bed. I really appreciate it."

Michael's lips twitch upward but then went back to their neutral position as he poured the tea. "It was my pleasure."

He sat in the chair opposite of the sofa. Dark circles betrayed how tired he must have been. I felt bad I hadn't helped them with Spyder. Considering my newfound strength, it would have been safe for me to be with Spyder. I guess it didn't help that I could barely keep my eyes opened when they were deciding on the plan. I also assumed they wanted to protect me from his inappropriate comments.

"Did you have enough information from Todd to figure more stuff out?" Without taking a sip, I sat the cup down on the coffee table or, should it be tea table? I'd have to ask about that later.

"Yes, enough that we can continue without worrying about his further assistance." Michael's voice was very terse. Apparently, Todd's lack of willingness to further help was still a sore topic.

"Can I do anything to help?" I took a sip of my tea.

"I need to tend the horses. Do you think you can manage him on your own for a few minutes?" He pointed over at Spyder.

"Sure. Besides, I could always stuff another napkin in his mouth if he annoys me too much." I placed my cup back on the tray.

"Probably a good idea whether or not he wakes up." Michael left through the back door.

I poured myself another cup of tea. Michael must have added some citrus to it because it had a pleasant orange taste. He was so observant. It didn't surprise me that he figured out I needed more fruity flavors in my tea to get me to drink it. It smelled so good that I held it close to my face between sips to enjoy the aroma.

"Morning, Love. I thought we'd never be alone." Spyder stretched the best he could. His feet and hands were still bound but he was no longer directly tied to the chair. "I've been pretending to be asleep for the past two hours while Mr. Upright-and-Earnest went over the journals—over and over and over again. My, he is dull. The most entertaining thing he did was getting hot and bothered when you came in this morning knowing you'd been in his bed. Of course, the only way he got you in it was when he wasn't anywhere near it." Spyder chuckled. "That fact must really get him even more hot and bothered."