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“I’m not saying that at all. I’ve got plenty of old Army PT shirts you can wear.”
This time it wasn’t a panic attack making it hard to breathe. More like the heat inside her sucking up all the oxygen as his gaze roved lazily over her.
ChapterFifty-Two
JUST A KISS – Lady A
Elizabeth feltridiculous in John’s oversized shirt until Cecilia knotted it in the back for her. That she was wearing her boyfriend’s shirt made her happier than she’d been in a decade.
Cecilia asked about her work with the women at The Oasis, having heard about it from Nate and John. Conversation flowed as they finished painting the bedroom a calming blue-gray color. The buzz of electric tools died out and was soon replaced with the deep timbre of the men talking and the pop of cans opening.
“Looking good, ladies.” John stood in the doorframe, staring at Elizabeth while holding a beer can. “It’ll be nice not having to squint against the bright yellow when I walk into this room. Should have painted it when I first bought the house.”
John strolled over to stand at the base of the ladder as Elizabeth carefully touched up the line along the window frame. It was the first time she’d stood taller than him and inspired thoughts of him holding her against the wall in a romantic clinch. The naughty thoughts brought on the good kind of heart palpitations.
“Thanks for letting me borrow your shirt.” She showed him the spot near her hip where she’d accidentally leaned into the wall.
“No worries I’ve got a dozen PT shirts and can always get more. You can keep that one if you want.” He grinned up at her. “Do you ladies want a beer when you finish?”
“I’m a sissy drinker,” Cecilia said. “I only like the fruity, sweet drinks.”
“I never acquired a taste for beer either.” Elizabeth found another thing in common with Cecilia. “I just need to finish around this window. You got the upper cabinets all in?”
“We did. We’ll put up the molding and knock out the lower cabinets tomorrow.”
“I’ll wrap the rollers and take a closer look in daylight to see if we missed any spots. Are you coming back tomorrow?” Cecilia cast a semi-innocent smile at Elizabeth.
“I’m free if you need some help.”
“If you’ve got an eye for landscaping, I’m going to the nursery to get some plants for the front beds.”
“I can do that,” she agreed to the low-key way to spend time with John and his friends.
After they finished painting, they joined Nate and John who lounged in two sports chairs with a TV tray between them, admiring their work.
“I’m glad Rachel suggested the blue-gray cabinets. They brighten the room and won’t show the dirt or dog hair like white.” John rubbed a hand down Boss’s back.
“I’m not a design guy, but I agree. From the before pictures you sent me, you’ll make back every penny you’re spending when you sell. I’m going to want pictures for my portfolio.” Nate toasted John with his beer.
“I’m happy to leave you a good review and send pictures,” John said, his tone subdued as he cast a glance at Elizabeth.
Nate’s comment served as an unwelcome reminder of the major obstacle they still faced. Even if John restored her ability to have a healthy relationship, what would happen in a few months when he moved to Florida? Her practice was here. Even with the rise of telemedicine, she’d risk losing the majority of her clients and have to rebuild. But it wasn’t about the money. She knew firsthand the frustration of having to find a new counselor when circumstances ended a good therapeutic relationship. It had stalled her healing for years.
Could she walk away from the women at The Oasis? Ariana would be okay, and Wren, well, she might need a push out of the nest, but Mayala had only moved in a week ago. It was impossible to predict where she’d be in a few months.
Nate got to his feet.
Cecilia picked up her purse and scratched Boss’s head. “We’ll see you in the morning.”
When Elizabeth followed suit, John gave her a hard stare. She set her bag back down and got an approving nod. After saying goodbye to his friends at the front door, John smiled at her for several tantalizing seconds.
“You didn’t see me come peek at you while you were painting, did you?”
“No,” she drawled.
“I wasn’t being creepy. Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t imagining things. Looked like you and Cecilia hit it off.”
“We did.”
