Those eyes of his lock in on mine, and I can see how irritated he is that I've even suggested it."I take care of you, Mace.You might not be used to it, but it's what I do."
While I love what he's trying to say, I've taken care of myself for a very long time."There's no reason I can't help.I'm not used to sitting around while someone does everything for me.It's never been the type of person I am.I appreciate it, but you have to let me help, Officer."
I've never called him that before, but I'm this close to calling him an asshole because he definitely thinks I can't handle things on my own.The way his eyes heat, it either pisses him off, or turns him on.I'm interested in both of those options.He reaches up with his free hand, and rubs at his chin, before speaking."I don't have to let you do anything, but I'll respect your wishes."
It's obvious it's hard for him to let others take care of the things he feels like he can.This is one of those moments where I need to show him who I am, if not, he'll continue.
"Look, I appreciate you.I know you're an older brother, single dad, officer of the law, who is used to being in charge of every single thing you do.But being a team is hot, Darren.If we hope to have some sort of relationship, we have to do it together.Now, let me know what I can do."
He blows out a breath."You can crack some eggs for the bomb ass omelet I'm about to make you."
I can't help it, I laugh."You are huh?"
He nods, a smile spreading across his face."I am, and when I'm done, when you're eating it?You're going to ask me where the hell I've been your entire life.How you've eaten regular food not touched by my hands.I'm going to impress the fuck outta you."
Amusement makes my chest lighter, and for the first time since I showed up last night, I feel like everything is going to be okay.
Chapter8
Darren
Her hum as she takes the first bite of her omelet gives me a warmth I haven't had in a long time.I've spent a lot of time taking care of Nic, but I haven't spent nearly as much time taking care of myself or another adult.While I love making sure my daughter is okay, I miss the rest of it."Good?"
She closes her eyes and smiles as she chews."Yeah, it's really good.Exactly what I needed.I don't think I realized how hungry I was until I put this in my mouth."
"That's understandable."I stand with my back to the counter, arms crossed over my chest."You had a ton of adrenaline running through your body last night, and probably even into this morning.Food was the last thing on your mind, and you might not have much of an appetite after this, but eating is going to help you recover.So I'm going to make sure you have a snack or two before dinner."I don't mean to sound so much like a hard ass with her, but I've come to know her over the past few months.She'll worry about everyone else except herself, and right now she needs to worry about her.
"You like telling me what to do, don't you?"She questions putting the fork against the flat of her tongue.
I grip my biceps to keep from reaching out to her."It's not that I like telling you what to do, it's that I don't think you take care of yourself well.You take care of everyone else."
"So do you, Officer.I'm nothing special, we both struggle with self-care."
Pushing off the counter, I cross the small space between us.Once I'm standing in front of her, I reach forward.My hand palms her neck, thumb rubbing her jaw where there's an ugly as fuck bruise forming."That's where you're wrong Mace.You're more special than you give yourself credit for, at least to me."Her eyes widen, and I can tell that I've shocked her with my words.In the living room, I can hear Nic."She needs help with the remote.I'll be right back."
I quickly walk into the living room, seeing my daughter struggling with the remote, making noises around her sippy cup."Dad," she whines, holding the electronic equipment out to me.
"I know, I heard you.What do you want to watch?"She points to her favorite cartoon, and I get it set up for her again."Need anything else, baby girl?"When she shakes her head, I lean down and give her a kiss on the forehead."I'll be in the kitchen while Macie finishes eating, but we'll be right back, okay?"
She nods, her gaze already on her show, and I know she'll be fine until we get back.Going back into the kitchen, I notice that Macie’s almost done with her food and has drained her glass of orange juice.Without her asking, I snag the glass and pour another serving.
“I could get used to you waiting on me,” she teases.
Swallowing roughly, I answer.“I could get used to doing it.”
A part of me wonders how long I’ve really liked her.I don’t trust myself to notice the feelings anymore, because I’d shut them off so effectively with my ex-wife.I’d told myself I didn’t need affection, or to give it.But a few hours into staying at my house, and Macie has blown what I thought I knew about myself out of the water.
Her eyes meet mine as she takes the last bite of food, and then drains the glass.Finally, she breaks our gazes, and slowly stands on her feet."C'mon, let’s go in there so Nic's not by herself."
It warms my heart the way she mentions my daughter."She'll be fine for a few more minutes if you need them."
"No, I'm okay.Do we need to explain why I'm here?"She wrings her hands in front of her stomach.
"No, I've told her you're my friend, and you got an owie, so you're staying with us.Since you have the bruises on your face," I whisper those words, burying my hand in her hair, and palming the back of her head.She tilts her head back so that our gazes are locked."If you feel uncomfortable, you'll need to let us know."
"I will," she answers, turning her cheek into my touch.
Together, we go to the living room.Nicole is laying on the floor, her head in her palms as she watches her show.One thing I know about her is to not interrupt while she's watching."We can sit on the couch, she's not going to want us to talk to her.We can talk to each other, but don't mess with her until her show is over."
