“You’re welcome.” I wink.
She snickers, revealing an honest to God dimple in her left cheek. How can she be so sexy and adorable at the same time?
“I am sorry to hear about your friend, but you never answered my question.” She pushes off from the bed and sways slightly.
I catch her, wrapping my arms around her waist. Steadying her, I look down. “What question?”
“Why do you care so much about me?”
How can I answer her when I’m not sure myself?
The nurse opens the curtain, saving me from myself. The nurse glances from me to Romy. “Everything okay?”
I frown. “A dizzy spell.”
“How bad?” the nurse asks, stepping forward to peer into her eyes.
“I got up too fast. I’m fine,” Romy says.
The nurse frowns. “I don’t like the sound of that.”
“I’ll keep a close eye on her.”
The short-haired brunette smiles. “You’ve got a good one here. Be sure to hang on to him.”
“I ... We’re not—” She stumbles over her words.
“She couldn’t get rid of me that easily.”
“I could try,” she mumbles.
Chapter Two
Caleb
It feels like an awkward first date. Seated beside Romy on the couch, we both drink the coffee they’ve served. Nervously I nibble on a sugar cookie, unsure of what to say.
“What brings you to Centerville?” Pop asks.
“I got a job as an occupational therapy assistant for Dr. Carver’s office. I was working at a hospital back home. The hours were plentiful, and the pay was all right, but I wanted more,” she answers.
“And this is better for you?” Nona asks.
“Immensely. It’s why I could purchase my house.”
“Good for you. I remember how I felt when we were able to buy this land and start building. It took a while, but this old house has stood the test of time.” The pride in Pop’s voice is audible.
“You built this?” Romy
asks in awe.
“I helped a little.”
“He was out here all the time,” Nona says.
“It was a present for you. It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t have a hand in it.”
Nona rolls her eyes, but the wide smile betrays how happy it made her.