Free April's Glow by Juliet Madison Page B

the edge of his doormat with his foot.
    April felt a surge of pity for the guy. Well, not pity so much as sadness. A man like him, in his prime, clearly traumatised by things in his past … of course it was understandable that the war would have affected him in some way. He didn’t appear to have any physical injuries, but maybe he had post-traumatic stress disorder, or maybe the crowds and open spaces just triggered anxiety for some reason.
    April touched his arm as he had hers. Somehow, it felt both rough and smooth at the same time. ‘I understand. No problem.’ She offered a small smile. ‘Thanks for telling me.’
    She gave a small wave and stepped off the porch, but as per usual, she thought of another thing to say and had to turn around again. ‘You know what? I feel like eating in tonight.’ April put her hands on her hips and surveyed Zac’s front garden. ‘Care to join me?’
    Zac’s eyebrows shot up. ‘You’re inviting me over for dinner?’
    â€˜Looks that way. I can pick something up, or find something to whip up.’
    He rubbed his chin. ‘The thing is, I’ve already defrosted some chicken for tonight. How about you join me here instead?’
    Now April’s eyebrows rose. ‘You’re going to cook for me?’
    â€˜No, you can cook. I’ll just provide the ingredients and kitchen facilities.’
    She eyed his unchanged facial expression.
    â€˜I’m kidding,’ he chuckled. ‘You can clean up instead.’
    April laughed and warmth spread throughout her cheeks.
    â€˜Seriously, I’ve got it covered.’ He held up his hands. ‘Just come over when the sun goes down.’
    â€˜You’ve got yourself a deal.’ She gave a nod. ‘Would Juliet like Romeo to join her for some gourmet cat pellets?’
    Zac laughed, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. ‘I think the cats can sort themselves out for tonight. See you later on.’ He smiled and closed the door.
    So much for not bothering to get to know him anymore. The pages of his book of life were starting to open, and she was sure tonight would provide many more answers to the questions that had been forming in her mind. It was time to get to know Zac, for real. Not just chatting over the fence, not the odd, random conversations at his door, but real, proper, dignified conversation over the dinner table. A sense of anticipation fluttered inside. She had been looking forward to dinner at the pub, but this … this she was looking forward to way more than that.

Chapter 10
    April tried to take a nap, but despite fatigue from the early morning, her mind wouldn’t switch off. Housework helped. She vacuumed floors, scrubbed the shower, cleaned the kitchen, then collapsed on the couch and watched the last half of an old movie on TV before her eyes drooped closed.
    She shot up when she awoke and turned her wrist to look at her watch. ‘Crap!’ It was late afternoon. April went to the bathroom and turned on the shower. When she was ready, she stepped in and moved the shower stool aside. She stood one-legged on the slip-proof mat, under the warm stream, aware of how good her balance was these days. If she’d tried to shower this way before the accident her leg would have become fatigued by now, but her right calf muscle was hard and strong. She swivelled on her toes to wash her back, and when she’d finished, sat for a few brief moments on the stool to rest her muscles. Putting her prosthesis back on was a welcome relief. When it had first been made for her, it had, strangely, felt like a burden. Something needed, and gratefully accepted, but also a reminder of her limitations. Learning to use it had been like trying to switch to using her left hand instead of right. Except worse. There had been the constant fear of falling, which still affected her sometimes, but hardly ever anymore. At first, as a new recipient of helpful modern