"Did you hear what I said?" Ryder asked, narrowing his eyes when she didn't utter a word.
Thea swallowed, her chest tightening under the weight of his gaze. The quiet worry woven into his tone made her heart stumble. She couldn't decide if she wanted to look away—or sink into the warmth of his concern.
"Thea?" His voice softened, coaxing.
"Yes…" she whispered.
Ryder tilted his head. "What did I say?"
Thea drew a shaky breath. "To not wet the wound… and to put antiseptic twice daily till it heals."
"Good. At least you were listening."
Ryder offered to help with lunch, and Thea hesitated only a moment before handing him the knife.
"Do you even know how to chop vegetables?" she asked, her lips quirking with playful doubt.
"Yes," Ryder replied with quiet confidence.
To her surprise, he proved it true—his hands steady and practiced as he expertly diced the vegetables.
