First

‘I know what you meant. Don’t worry about it.’

Jake clears his throat. ‘I’ll see you in a few days.’

‘Right, man. Good luck.’

We hang up before it can get any more awkward. My music blares back on. I don’t want to run anymore. I’m exhausted and I want to go home and crash before work. But Jake’s words linger.

I trust you to keep her out of trouble …

I can go a little longer.

Day 2 — Morning

My eyes burn a little when I open them to sunlight streaming through my blinds. Dally got in from his run at some god-awful hour. I woke up at the sound of my door closing from his nightly check and listened to him continue down the hall to his room; his door closed and didn’t open again, which means he’ll be showering this morning.

I stretch carefully. My hip is sore, but not a mass of burning pain like it was last night. Jake called to let me know how his training was going. He had been amused by my idiotic injury and by Dally’s playing white knight. I know he wouldn’t have been as good-tempered if I’d shared everything Dally had done last night.

Speaking of …

I don’t know if he’s already gone to work, but figure checking the kitchen would be a safe bet. No one there. Bathroom is the next stop. I’m brushing my teeth when there are footsteps in the hall. Dally’s tatted hand sneaks around the doorframe and raps against the wall.

‘Good to come in, brown eyes?’

I reach out with my foot and push the door open wider in invitation. He gives me a weary grin as he steps into the room. ‘How’d you sleep?’

I shrug as he prepares his toothbrush. When he moves away from the sink, I finish up and move out of his way, sitting on the edge of the tub watching him.

‘How about you?’ I ask.

It’s always pretty to watch him shrug from behind. His tattoos ripple with the movement. I lick my lips when I remember the flashes of other muscles moving in my dreams last night.

Dally makes a grumpy noise and I look up. He’s glaring at me in the mirror. I hold up my hands. ‘Sorry. But the deal was only good for last night.’

He finishes brushing his teeth and turns to me. ‘Come here.’

‘Why?’

His eyebrow raises and he crosses his arms over his chest. ‘You are such a pain in the ass. Come on, Cat.’

I stand.

He points at my hip. ‘Let me see.’

Under his watchful gaze, I lift up my shirt and pull down the edge of my boxer shorts. The area’s still pretty red, but not too swollen.

Dally nods approvingly. ‘It’s not looking too bad.’

‘What time is it?’

He rubs a hand over his face, brushing hair off his forehead. ‘Seven, I think.’

‘Do you have time for breakfast?’

He nods. ‘Meet in the kitchen?’

I take advantage of the moment, dashing back to my room and changing. Dally’s already in the kitchen by the time I emerge. A mixing bowl and whisk are on the counter.

‘Pancakes okay?’ he calls over his shoulder as he drags out the necessary skillet.