“Austin, you’re hurting. You hide it well, but I can see it on your face. You can’t be lifting things. As a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to be resting your ribs and sitting in a dark room for your concussion.”
Carter walks by with a load in his hands. “Good luck with that. I’ve tried all morning to get him inside.”
I shake my head. I had a clear plan in my head. I was going to be in and out. But now I can see that I may really be needed here. He’s obviously not taking care of himself. Austin’s hand moves around my back and pulls me in. His cheek is resting against the top of my head, and I swear I hear him sniffing. “Are you smelling me?”
I can feel his cheek move into a smile. “Yeah, and you smell good. A cross between sunshine and honeysuckles.”
Man, how can I have only met this man a few days ago and already he’s got me so turned upside down I can’t stand it? “So I have an idea.”
“I’ll do it,” he says without hesitation.
I pull back enough to look up at him. “You don’t even know what it is.”
“Fine. If it involves me and you, possibly sitting in a dark room, then I’m in.”
He’s smiling, but I can see the pain on his face. He’s tried his best to hide it. I pat him on the chest. “Fine, let’s go.” I reach for his hand and thread our fingers together and give him a little tug.
He falls into step beside me. “So do I get to pick what we do in the dark room?”
I laugh out loud. “Don’t hold your breath there, stud.”
He wraps his arm around my shoulder, and we’re both smiling as we walk up the steps to my house.
Austin
“Oh good heavens, he’s smiling.” Carrie, my housekeeper, says as we walk in the front door. Carrie’s been with my family for what seems like forever. She’s more like family than anything. I thought for sure she’d leave me when my parents passed away, but she didn’t. She stayed right here with me.
“Har, har,” I say before turning to Millie. “Honey, this is Carrie. She takes care of the house and me half the time.”
Carrie tucks a few gray strands of hair behind her ear. “Yep, so now I won’t have to quit, it seems. Your girl’s here now, so I’m hoping you’re going to be a little nicer to be around.” Her smile deepens as she looks at Millie, and I can tell she already likes her. “All I can say is good luck.”
Millie laughs, and I can already tell that these two are going to be thick as thieves together. “I haven’t been that bad.”
“Ha!” Carrie spits out and starts laughing. “I love you like a son, and I quit my job five times today. Yes, you’ve been that bad.”
I shake my head. It’s all a joke, but honestly I don’t know what I’d do without Carrie. “You wouldn’t ever leave me. You love me.”
“I just said I did,” she deadpans with an eyeroll at Millie. “That concussion’s got him messed up more than he’s letting on. I’m going to go back to my room for the night. I know Millie came straight from work, so I’ve left you some dinner on the counter. Just call me if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Carrie,” Millie says to the retreating woman.
“Sure thing, honey. I’m hoping to see more of you.”
Millie blushes when she looks at me, as if she’s trying to gauge my reaction to Carrie putting us together. The fact is, I’m hoping for the same thing. I want Millie around. More than I should probably admit for only knowing her a short time. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“So what do you think? We eat, then find a television somewhere in this big house and maybe turn the lights down real low –”
“And you’ll let me hold you while we pretend to watch television.” Even I can hear the hope in my voice.
She lifts her shoulders in defeat. “Sure. If it will get you to rest, I’m game.”
Because I can’t resist a minute longer, I kiss her. It’s a brief kiss. One that reminds me of exactly how explosive we can be together. I pull away and show her to the kitchen. Picking up the plates, I ask her to grab two drinks out of the refrigerator.
“What do you want?” she asks.
“I’m good with water.”
She grabs two waters. “Me too.”
“Follow me.” I lead her into the living room, and she gasps behind me. No doubt because of the room. I get this reaction a lot.
“This is your living room?”
I set the plates on the coffee table and grab a remote that lifts the top up to the perfect height to eat from. “Yep. Have a seat.”