Scoring Position Strike Zone Series Book 3

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Bailey

      "NO! Oh...no! Damn it!" Grumbling to myself, I wave the dish towel around the room to move the smoke toward the fan and not set off the fire alarm again. I've never had this much trouble in the kitchen. But then there's no pressure when you cook for yourself.

      I haven't been able to get used to his massive stove, or complicated microwave, the double dishwasher, fridge and walk in drink cooler. Everything in his house is big, just like its owner. It seems like every time I try to cook something I burn it, blow it up, or undercook it. I've got a sink full of burnt pans to scrub. I even blew up two potatoes in the microwave and undercooked the squash so it was inedible.

     I'm not a bad cook, I'm just.... Out of my element. I'm used to my stuff, my pots, pans, appliances. I'm used to my own place and not relying on Dillon to support me. I'm an adult. I'm independent. I'm capable of taking care of myself. And I am trying to find my place here, along with taking care of Dillon.

       He is still recovering. He's got his injuries to think about, his doctor appointments to get to, physical therapy. Then there's how his injuries will affect his career and there's the hearing he has to face. He could still go to prison for the DUI. He isn't in the clear by a long shot. He's got a good defense team in Lance and Cade, but he's got a lot to worry about. Taking on my problems shouldn't be one more.

      He's frustrated over all of this. It's understandable. I've tried to keep out of the line of fire of his temper, but I haven't seen him blow over anything... yet. He's good about keeping that locked down. I can only imagine what the casualties will be when he explodes. If I was in his shoes, I'd be freaking out. Not Dillon. He's very much in control.

       Not that he isn't worried about the hearing next week, he is. He just tries to hide it. We are all worried. Dillon's future is at stake and Tipton may have ruined it. Not just his career as a player. If he loses that, I know it'll break Dillon's heart, but it won't end him.

       Nate has already stepped up and given him an option. One I know he's considering, no matter the outcome. But Dillon's reputation is on the line and that's even more important right now. He's made a point in his life to be someone that can be looked up to, a role model. This will destroy that.

       His body will heal, but his life won't be the same.

       Pulling the pan off the stovetop, I dump the remnants of what was an omelette into the trash and put the pan in the hot soapy water that's soaking the rest of the pans I've burned. I'm a terrible live-in nurse. I can't even feed him right!

       He needs someone who can do more than order take out and get a bottle of water from the fridge. I can't even figure out his coffee maker. God, a cup of coffee would be so good right now. I've gone out the last few mornings to pick up fresh fruit, scones and coffee. Dillon has said nothing about it, but I'm sure he'd like a homemade meal.

      I want to cook for him, dammit.

      "What are you doing?" Dillon leans on the door jam, watching me. His eyes trailing down my body, head to toe. The wave of heat he causes in me, rolls right up my body. Watching his eyes roam over my body, I follow his line of sight trail back up my body. My cheeks feel like they are suddenly on fire. 

     Trying to ignore my embarrassment, I turn back to the soapy water. "Me? I'm just trying to decide what to make. Why are you out of bed?"

     He takes an unsteady step into the room and stumbles a bit. Hurrying around the island, I hook my arm around his waist and take on his weight as I move him to the small table in the kitchen. We prop up his bad leg on a chair and situate him comfortably in the other chair.