Chapter 73

“You’re excellent in first aid.” I sipped my tea and glanced over the rim at Mark. He was avoiding Mother’s gaze and seemed more uncomfortable than his wound warranted. “Mother, I need to speak to Mark privately. Would you mind giving us a moment?”

“Of course not, sweetheart. I don’t know what I said to embarrass you, Mark, but I apologize.”

“Uh… no… it’s okay. It’s nothing. Uh….”

Mother set down her cup and saucer, rose and kissed Mark’s cheek, and left the room. Mark stared after her, his palm against his cheek.

“All right, Mark. What’s disturbing you?”

He leaned toward me and muttered, “She saw me without my shorts!”

I choked on my tea, and he pounded my back until I could catch my breath. Finally, I said, “Mark, you had your shorts on until Max removed them.”

“I did?” He blew out a relieved breath.

“You shouldn’t let it bother you.” I patted the knee of his uninjured leg. “Mother’s also seen my naked backside.”