Joshua didn''t say a word, just stared at Allison with those wounded, puppy-dog eyes.

    She refused to look at him, shutting the door behind her with a decisive click.

    At the front door, Allison paused, took a couple of deep breaths to pull herself together, then opened up for Linda.

    Linda was waiting outside, arms full with a big insted container and a kind, motherly smile. "Allie, I tried calling you, but you didn''t answer. Have you eaten yet? I made your favorite ck chicken and yam soup, and some salt-and-pepper shrimp."

    Allison stepped aside to let her in. "I haven''t eaten yet-I was busy and had my phone on silent. Didn''t notice you called."

    Not exactly a lie. She really had been upied.

    Linda came inside and set the container on the dining table. She opened it up and started putting the dishes out, her movements practiced and gentle. "No matter how busy you are, you have to remember to eat."

    "Thank you, Linda. I appreciate it," Allison said softly.

    Linda waved her off. "It''s no trouble. I was free today, so I figured I''de see how you''re doing." She finishedying out the food and handed Allison a pair of chopsticks. "Eat while it''s hot."

    "Okay." Allison pulled out a chair and sat down.

    She took small sips of the soup, savoring the familiar taste.

    Linda watched her for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Why are your cheeks so red?"

    Allison, caught off guard, choked a little on her soup.

    "Slow down," Linda said, her voice gentle and full of concern.

    She came over and pressed a hand to Allison''s forehead. "You feel a little warm. Are you running a fever? Should I take you to the doctor?"

    Allison looked away, her expression awkward. “I''m not sick," she mumbled.

    Linda frowned, still worried. "Then why are you so flushed? Are you feeling unwell anywhere?"

    Allison instinctively touched her own cheeks. They really did feel warm. Was it that obvious?

    She silently med Joshua-he just had to kiss her like his life depended on it.

    "I''m really fine," Allison said, keeping her head down as she went back to her soup.

    l.ne

    Linda didn''t look convinced. "Do you have a thermometer at home? Let me check your temperature. You live here by yourself-if something happens, who''s going to take care of you? Maybe I should help you find someone toe by and help out."

    "That''s okay, Linda. Brooklyn lives here with me."

    Linda still looked uneasy. "Brooklyn''s great at keeping you safe-your dad and I trust her-but she''s not exactly the domestic type. I really think you should have a housekeepere by."  s?novel

    Allison reassured her, "I actually already have someone who

    groceries, but she''ll be ba

    cook. She just went out to

    That wasn''t a lie. Unless Allison had other ns, Shannon came over to cook every day.

    And it was only eleven-totally normal for Shannon to be out shopping.

    Just as she finished speaking, the door opened and Shannon walked in, arms full

    of fresh groceries. She paused, surprised to see Linda.

    Allison introduced them. "This is my aunt."

    Shannon quickly greeted her. "Hello, ma''am.”

    Linda smiled back, polite and warm. "Hello."