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Chapter 8
Not Completely Broken
Joe didn’t think he’d ever—not even once—stressed about what to wear. He owned suits for work, workout clothes, and the more casual jeans and t-shirts he preferred. Now he worried about his clothes because he didn’t want to make Lia uncomfortable.
Finally, he threw on clean jeans and a newer plain black t-shirt. He grabbed a flannel shirt in case they stayed later and it got cooler. He picked up his wallet and keys, then moved to knock on Lia’s door.
Giggles emerged behind the door and then his sister’s voice called out. “Just a second.”
He didn’t know what had caused the giggles, but it warmed his heart. Until recently, he would have said his sister never giggled. Teaming up with Sam had been good for the both of them. Sure it had been weird as hell that one of his best friends was with his sister, but it hadn’t taken long to see that it worked. They worked.
He didn’t take Lia for much of a giggler either, but he was glad to hear the sound. He leaned back on the wall across from Lia’s door and waited.
Tansy emerged first, with a big smile. “Have fun and take the golf cart.” Then she bounced down the stairs.
Lia emerged from her room next and Joe was glad he had the wall to hold him up.
Instead of the promised t-shirt and leggings, Lia wore a pretty yellow dress that made her skin glow. It was bright and sunny and showed off her arms. The skirt flared around her knees.
Best of all, her smile was full and flirty, showing more confidence than he’d seen since he’d first met her in that operating room.
He whistled softly and let his eye track all the curves on display. Then he shoved off the wall and ran his hands from her shoulders to her fingers and back up. Then he ran them into her hair. “Gorgeous.”
The kiss was meant to be quick and soft, but her hands came up to his chest and she leaned into him. He wasn’t nearly strong enough to resist.
He sank into the kiss and ran his hands through her fabulous hair, up and down her curves. He wanted to open her door and close them inside with nothing to bother them for a while. A very long while.
Instead, he remembered their reality. He eased slowly back from the kiss and sucked in a few breaths to pull himself back under control. “You’re potent, Lia.”
Her laugh was soft. “Look who’s talking. I’m not sure I can walk after that kiss.”
Everything in his body tightened at her wonder-filled words. “We can hold each other up.”
She laughed and kissed him lightly. “Thanks.”
“For what?”
“Making me see that I’m not completely broken.”
He leaned back to frown down at her. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“I’ve been feeling broken and useless and lost for a long time. You make me feel differently. So thanks.” And she kissed him again.
He suddenly wondered if she was a virgin. Everything she said about herself implied she’d been mostly on her own. He didn’t ask the question. Not yet. A date was supposed to be fun and he didn’t think she’d had enough fun in her life. He wanted to give her that even more than he wanted to give her an orgasm. Okay, maybe they were tied.
“You’re a whole human being, Lia. A smart and incredibly sexy woman who has so much to offer. I’m a little lost myself at the moment, so I get that part, but please don’t think of yourself as broken. You’re not. Not even a little bit.”
Tears flashed in her eyes but she smiled as she blinked them back. “You’re a pretty special guy.”
He flashed her a silly grin. “Good. I’ve got you fooled. Now, come on before you figure out the truth.”
They used the golf cart and then Joe drove to town. He parked in the lot closest to the diner. When Lia reached to open her door with her left hand, he leaned over and put his hand on hers. “Wait. Please?”
She was smiling when he jogged around to open the door and offer her his hand to get out of the car. “Thank you, kind sir.” She rose up to kiss him on the cheek. “That was a definite first for me.”
He couldn’t stop the frown. “What kind of men have you been dating?”
She laughed and squeezed his hand. “None for a long time. And none as chivalrous as you.”
