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He didn’t want to scare or hurt her. He wasn’t looking for a girlfriend or a wife in the short term. And she wasn’t a woman to play with.
So, every day she was in his house doing the house chores, he was like an eager pup, following her around.
She did his laundry, made his bed, shared his time, and talked a lot. Every time, he did his best to behave like a gentle human being. He tried not to show her how much she allured him.
He failed many times, however. He couldn’t avoid touching her any time he could, although not disturbingly. He caressed her cheeks with the excuse of helping her to tame the wild hair that escaped from her ponytail or a messy bun.
He stood closed any time he could, breathing on her amazing scent, a mix of spicy and sweet he loved. He put his hand on her lower back when she was cooking and asked her to taste her dishes in advance.
Her tiny fingers on his mouth when she fed him a mouthful of whatever she was cooking felt like heaven. He didn’t avoid sucking softly or licking the fingertips, and the flustered way she took them off was the obvious sign he disturbed her.
He didn’t think it was an adverse reaction, though. She never showed annoyance.
He thought she liked this game between them, and that was both enticing and dangerous. He didn’t want to give her false hopes.
Damn! He hadn’t felt so frustrated ever. Sexually, but emotional, too. He had acted on his wants if he didn’t respect Dakota so much.
She got under his skin. He cared about her. Oh, man, he needed to get laid, urgently.
He had thought of telling Dakota to not come the next two days and take time for calming himself and settling his mind.
He considered asking Dolly to come to the hut and drive him into town to the festival. He knew this would lead to her bed. The lively red-haired was a widow and loved random sex from time to time. A free spirit she was, and he liked her.
Somehow he had ruined this plan when asking Dakota to take him to the festival, and then he had gifted her a pair of expensive boots. It was as if his mind betrayed his body. He didn’t know why he acted like that.
He had thought of the gift as a gesture of thanks, and Marie was kind enough to help him. Okay, Rex had to drive her to Mr. Pierce’s workshop, but the bastard loved to consent to his wife. Ted had avoided his censorious eyes and dismissed his words.
Ted, be careful. I never saw you giving a woman such an expensive gift. You’re a cheap asshole. That lady, she’s Peggy Sue’s granddaughter, and the lady is in heaven because of her. I don’t want you breaking that young woman’s heart. I will allow Peggy Sue to eviscerate you if that shit happens,he had told him.
Calm down, big bro. It’s a gift to show her my appreciation. She is helping me a lot. She’s sweet and caring. I’m not trying to do anything but keep her around. Your sorry ass should be grateful. You and Brad left me alone when I needed you the most.He had smirked, knowing his older brother felt like shit for that, but he liked to tease him.
You’re old enough to wipe your ass, and you wouldn’t be in this position if you weren’t so stubborn. And it’s not as if Brad left town eagerly. He felt like crap about you being alone.
I know, I know. I just enjoy driving you mad. Brad is doing what he must, and I love the idea of you taking care of my sweet sister-in-law and my niece, Rex. Don’t worry, I won’t screw this. I’m not a complete idiot. I like Dakota, and I want the best for her.
I know you’re a good man, bro. I love you. You’re a good man, and I don’t buy your facade. You care about people more than you show. All of your cocky attitudes are a facade.
That kind of dialog happened a few times between them; the Sullivan brothers loved each other and had their backs, but they talked little about feelings.
Marie had changed Rex in the best of ways: he was happier, more talkative, and his sour face had a smile most of the time. Love made that, Ted supposed.
His mind wandered a lot that night, and he sent audio to Dakota.
Ted:Dakota, you don’t need to be by my house at 8. Take your time, and be here at 11. I’ll be ready.
Dakota:What about breakfast? You’ll need me to help you with clean clothes from upstairs. I don’t want you climbing the stairs. It’s dangerous.
The sweet lady! She worried and fussed about him, but he was doing much better. He had an appointment with the doctor next week and he was sure the professional would take the cast off.
The rehabilitation was going great, and that was something he had to thank Dakota, too. She helped him with patience and care.
Ted:Don’t worry. I have plenty of leftovers, and I will be careful. I just need to avoid weight on my leg, but I’m not disabled.He inserted a winking face emoji.
Dakota:Face-blowing kisse-moji
Nice, really nice, he thought. What about giving one of those in person?, he felt tempted to ask her, but he stopped himself from teasing her. He had to behave around her.
