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She hesitated for just a second as appreciation warred with surprise in her eyes. Then the appreciation won and she pulled the door shut behind her and took the dishes from my hands.
“Every moment you’re here, you’re making me love the decision to keep you.” She stopped next to me as uncertainty creased her brow. Then lightning quick, she reached up to plant a kiss on the underside of my jaw. “Thank you, Merrick,” she said softly.
I just knew I had a goofy grin adorning my face as I followed her down the stairs. She said she was keeping me. I had already vowed to protect her, but her declaration twisted my stomach into the lightest knots, in the best way.
“It’s only been two days,” I reminded her. Why was I trying to remind her our time together had barely been enough to fill up a weekend? Before I could backpedal, she laughed as the full notes rolled down my spine, inciting a trail of unfettered bliss.
“True. But if I ever doubted my decision, your cooking skills would change my mind.” She guided us back to the living room and took up her normal spot on the chair.
Wanting to sit as close as possible, I took the end of the couch closest to her. “What’s on the agenda today? I’m free, so I can help in whatever way you need. I’m a great assistant.” I added just in case she didn’t know that about me. The last couple days, she’d made some phone calls in private and done some internet searches, but nothing I really considered work. I hoped she wasn’t changing her routine for me.
Especially when I wanted to integrate seamlessly into her life.
I'd never taken such pleasure in watching someone eat before. Instead of diving in and devouring the meal, she took the time to make precise cuts into each piece before feeding herself a delicate bite. Even the way she ate...
"Merrick," Vienna murmured. The pale pink of her lips rubbed together almost sensuously as she said my name. It took me a moment to register she awaited a response and I flicked my gaze up to meet hers. "We need to talk."
Four. Dreaded. Words.
Stomach bottoming out, I sucked in a breath until white dots danced in front of my eyes. I could do this. Whatever I'd done wrong, I'd apologize and we'd find a way to make it...
"Breathe," she commanded, even as she leaned forward and laid her gentle fingers on my wrist. My pulse raced, hammering like some mad little hummingbird, frantically darting from flower to flower. "You haven't done anything wrong."
All at once I let out that breath, relief swimming through me. "I thought you were going to ask me to leave."
Her husky laughter transfixed me, but the gentle stroke of her fingers against the inside of my wrist robbed it of any sting.
"Dammit," I swore. Then... "Dammit again, I'm ruining your breakfast. Go ahead, eat, and I'm all ears. What is it we need to talk about?"
I should have just kept my big mouth shut, because she let go of my wrist and went back to her breakfast. "I have some appointments today," she began. All right that sounded reasonable, I could keep her company... "But you can't come with me."
"That's not going to work for me," I told her plainly and a hint of a smile flickered around the corners of her mouth. "I can't look after you if I'm not there."
"I understand," she said, without sounding even a bit patronizing. I appreciated her kindness. "However, these are not appointments you can go to with me. The people I need to meet know me and they don't like strangers."
"But I'm not..."
"Merrick," she overrode me and held up one finger. "If I went to a meeting with them and they had someone with them I didn't know, not only would I not keep the meeting, I just might make sure they didn't make another meeting with anyone again."
Damn, she was tough. I found it hard to argue that point. "What if I waited in the car? I could be back-up—"
Unfortunately, she was already shaking her head. "You and I both know, you wouldn't stay in the car."
I sighed. "I would try."
"I know you would, and I love that you're honest enough to admit that you would likely not be successful. Merrick, I'm not telling you to stay here because I don't want your company."
I clung to that admission.
"But this falls into the category of when I tell you to do something, I need you to do it, no questions asked."
And yet, she'd let me ask questions. Let me argue. She'dtalkedto me about it rather than just give me an order. She had almost finished her breakfast in the time we spoke and I rose to go get coffee for both of us while I thought this over.
How did I back her up if I couldn't go? If I went around her, would that put her in more danger?
“How about, before I leave, I show you the gym?” Vienna asked as she swallowed the last bite of her pancakes.
Immediately, some of my worry evaporated. I really did need to protect her, but I would feel much, much better if I could at least put my mind at ease. She said that she could take care of herself, and I wanted to believe her, but what if she had just never gone up against someone stronger than her?
