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He reaches for his buttons.“A wet cat plastered to the chest isn’t recommended.”
When the shirt is open enough to get hold of Perry, I lift him out, then wrap him in a towel.A second later, he springs away and hides behind a throw pillow.
“I’ll have to call the Grindles and let them know he’s here.”
Tyler hovers just inside the back door.“I don’t want to track mud everywhere, and I’m a mess, soaked down to the bone, so maybe I should go.I just...”He stares at me, then smiles.“Clint was talking about the storm being a bad one, and I wanted to check on you.”
And in my mud and rain-soaked clothes, I launch myself into his arms.Again.At least this time we aren’t standing in the rain.With my arms around his neck, I close my eyes, bombarded with too many feelings to know exactly what to say.A simple “Thank you” is all that slips out.
He holds me until I step back, then brushes wet strands of hair off my face.“If you want me to stay...”
“I’m not letting you driveanywherein this weather.”That’s not up for discussion.But I need to figure out something for him to wear because he can’t stay like he is.
His lips quirk into a teasing grin.“Won’t let me, huh?”
“You heard me.Now, take your boots off.”I cover a chair with a towel.“And you can sit here while I clean up a little.Want something to snack on?”
“I’m good.Go take a shower.I’m fine.”
“First of all, I’m not taking a shower while there is lightning.I saw that episode of Mythbusters.”After he sits, I brush my fingers through his wet hair.“And second, it means a lot to me that you came tonight.”
Before he has time to respond, I rush down the hall.Maybe while I’m changing, I can get a handle on my emotions.
I dig through my drawers and don’t find any good options for Tyler.It’s not like I have guys over often.Or ever.
Only one item in my house will fit him.Make that two, but he needs more than a shirt.
With clean clothes on, I pad into the kitchen in my bare feet just as bread pops up out of the toaster.
Tyler slathers butter on both slices.“Perfect timing.After you asked about a snack, I got hungry, so I made us toast.”
I bite into my slice, now keenly aware that I haven’t eaten in hours.“Thank you.I’m starved.”
“Want me to make more?”
“I should get something besides bread to fill me up.When you’re finished, go change.I put something in the bathroom for you.”If I tell him what’s waiting in there, he’ll refuse it.
“I’ll just stay in this.”Tyler adds a dab of butter to his crust.
“Please.That can’t be comfortable.”I heat a pan and layer cheese between two slices of bread.“We’ll get your clothes dry, and then you can change.”
He’s scowling, but there’s amusement crinkled near his eyes.“Only because you said please.”
“Want me to make you a sandwich?”
“Sure.”He strides down the hall.The door closes, then opens again.“There’s a pink robe in here!”
Standing at the end of the hall, I flash my sweetest smile.To him, it might look maniacal, but I’m trying to be convincing.“I have a shirt that would probably fit you.”I don’t want to explain where that came from.“But you need more than just a shirt.”
“You think?”Standing in the bathroom doorway, he drags a hand through his hair, sending drops skittering on his bare chest.“Is there a blow-dryer in here?”
“Not in there, but I have one in my bathroom.”I point as if he hasn’t figured out what’s behind the closed door next to him.
“I’m gonna need it.”
It only takes a minute to get it, and as soon as I hand in the dryer, he closes the door.
I take a few steps, then listen.Why does he need a blow-dryer?
