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“You are too cocky for your own good,” she mutters.
“Can’t argue on that.”
“I guess nothing to do now but go sit and wait for my clothes to dry, and then I will be on my way. I’ll see if Keanu or Happy can organize this robe and the towels I used and folded on the counter to get washed and dried and placed back where you found them.” She holds her hand out. “If you don’t need that towel, I will place it over with the others.”
“Be my guest.” I hand it to her and watch her add it to the neatly folded pile.
When she returns to me, I don’t hesitate or ask permission; I swing her up into my arms.
“What the hell are you doing now? I thought we had established I can stand on my own two feet.”
The impasse is over. It was good while it lasted.
“My bad. I thought you said, ‘Oh, God. My head,’” I reply dramatically. “The chivalrous man in me runs on instinct.”
“That’s a load of crock.”
Yes, it is.
“I’m going to carry you to the couch to rest, and you are going to be a good patient.”
She growls her frustration, “Did anybody ever tell you how damn bossy you are?”
I laugh.
“I’ll play along until my clothes are dry. Then I am out of here.”
“I like this change in you. Compromise sits well on you.” I make my way back to the long couch, enjoying the way she has lazily draped her arm around my neck.
“Don’t push your luck, mate. I’m playing along because I figure I can be out of here in ten minutes or less. Those heated towel racks work wonders in no time at all.”That’s what she thinks.“Not to seem ungrateful because I am grateful, but I don’t want to hold you up any more than I already have, and I have somebody waiting for me at home I’m eager to see.”
I don’t like the idea of abandoning her. “Don’t be worrying about my time.” My inner caveman fights to bang his club loudly, demanding to know who is waiting for her at home. “Somebody special?”
“Very.” Short, sharp, and sweet answer.
“Care to elaborate?”
“Nope.” Hamlet gives me a sideways glance before averting her eyes forward. “Please, can we hurry this along? I don’t want to intrude any longer than is necessary. I don’t feel right about staying too long in Retro’s apartment without their knowledge. I’ve already used the bathtub, robe, and towels, and now you are carrying me about like a baby.”
“The one thing you are not is a baby. They don’t have rockin’ bodies and nor do they fill out a bra like you do or wear sexy panti—”
“And there he is! I knew you were putting on an act.”
I chuckle. “Just hum—”
“I know! Just humor me,” she snaps.
I lay her down on the couch, placing a cushion behind her head. Her left eye is puffy, and she’s probably suffering from a headache. I can see she’s one tough woman the way she’s not complaining about her injuries. “Stay here,please,while I—”
“Tucker, if I can get Keanu to get my jacket out of my car, it would be appreciated.”
“I happen to like you in this robe.” I notice she subtly loosens the tie around her waist, allowing her to pull the neckline area looser. Her chest must still be burning, but she’s made sure her lower half is covered. “Levi informed me earlier a doctor got called to check you over before you can leave here. So, get comfy.”
She huffs before biting her bottom lip. It must be killing her, staying silent.
Compliant.
Amenable.
