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“Please, Mom?” Her son's gaze implored her to agree. “I promise I will do better in school.”
She sighed, glancing between the two of them, wondering if she was the one being unreasonable. She wanted to refuse on principle, because Austin was interfering again. Especially since taking Austin's money for something like this went against the grain.
Yet hadn’t she asked for his help when Josh had skipped school? What if she was wrong? If Dr. Sandberg had considered this a good idea, learning Tai Kwon Do could be just what Josh needed. When was the last time she'd seen Josh looked so excited?
Months. Since before Sam's death.
Wavering, she slowly nodded. “Okay, I’ll approve the Tai Kwon Do lessons. But Josh? If you skip school or get into another argument with the other kids on the playground, I'll yank you out of those classes so fast your head will spin.” It was not an empty threat.
“Yay! Thanks, Mom.” Following Austin's example, Josh picked up his empty plate and carried it to the sink.
“Finish your homework,” Austin said in a stern tone.
Josh nodded and ran to his room. For a moment she was irritated with Austin's seemingly effortless ability to get her son to listen.
Then was ashamed of herself for resenting him. After all, wasn't the need for a father figure exactly why she'd agreed to this temporary arrangement? She should be grateful Austin cared enough about Josh to be there for him.
“Thank you,” Austin said softly. “I think learning Tai Kwon Do is just what Josh needs to give him some badly needed self-confidence.”
“I hope so.” She carried her own dishes to the sink. Then turned to face him. “But next time you'd better run the idea past me first, without involving Josh. I didn't appreciate being put on the spot like that.”
He winced at her sharp tone and looked apologetic as he took the soiled plate from her hands. “I'm sorry about that. You’re right. I guess I didn't think.” He shooed her away from the sink. “You cooked, it's my job to clean up. That’s the rule in the Monroe household. Why don't you relax for a few minutes? We’ll head back to your house in a little while to get the rest of your things.”
Relax? While living in the same house as Austin? Not likely. “It's your night off,” she protested. “I’m sure you have better things to do.”
“Nope.” His tone was cheerful. “Why don't you make a list of whatever you think you'll need over the next couple of weeks? We will hit the road as soon as I'm finished.”
She couldn't think of anything they'd need, other than maybe more clothing. Especially work scrubs for her. Austin had pretty much everything else covered here. As she sat at the table, watching him work, she belatedly realized her decision to move in with Austin might cramp his bachelor lifestyle. Hadn't he point blank asked if she was seeing someone? Just because she wasn't interested in a relationship, didn't mean Austin wasn't. This was his night off. Didn't he usually go out in his free time? Based on the gossip within the emergency department he dated often.
And what if he met some woman he wanted to bring home?
A pang of jealousy cramped her stomach, making her feel slightly sick.
“I realize you probably have plans on your evenings off, so don't worry about us,” she quickly said, pushing past the lump in her throat. “Josh is usually in bed by nine o’clock on school nights and I'm usually asleep, early too. You don't have to worry about disturbing us or anything.” She knew she was babbling but couldn't seem to stop. “I mean really, don't think Josh and I will get in the way of your social life. Just do what you always do and pretend we're not here.”
Austin paused in the act of rinsing the dishes and neatly stacking them in the dishwasher to glance at her. “I'm not seeing anyone and haven't for months. Do you honestly think I'd bring a woman home with you and Josh here?”
He hadn't gone out with anyone in months? Secretly relieved, she shrugged. “Why not? This is your home, Austin. And we're just friends.”
“Yes, we are, but I'm not interested in a social life, as you so carefully put it.” He offered a lopsided grin. “Right now, nothing is more important than you and Josh.”
“Okay, but if you change your mind—,” she began.
He interrupted. “I won't.”
“All right.” She smiled, a warm glow sweeping through her at his words, even though she knew he probably didn't really mean them.
At least, not in the way she wished he did.
Over the next couple of nights, Austin had trouble sleeping. Three days of living with Lindsey was getting to him. On the third night, he tossed and turned, kicking off the covers. He threw himself on his back, feeling as if his skin was too tight for his body. What was wrong with him? He hadn't felt this wired since the night of the fire.
After an hour, he rolled out of bed and doused himself with cold water, hoping the cool shower would ease his tension. It helped a little, but as he stared at his reflection in the mirror above the sink, he forced himself to admit the hard truth.
His bright idea of supporting Lindsey and Josh was wreaking havoc with his brain. He was so hyper aware of her, noticing every moment she made, the mere scent of her as she passed by. He could only imagine how difficult this would be for the next ten days. Maybe longer.
He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. He’d just have to get over it. He had the ridiculous notion that focusing on Josh would help keep his desire for Lindsey under control. But Josh was old enough to spend a fair amount of time with his friends, and during those times Josh was gone or otherwise occupied, swimming in the pool out back or playing video games, he and Lindsey were alone. And those stolen moments of togetherness did nothing to help him ignore his growing attraction for her.
Turning away from his rueful reflection, he drew on a clean pair of shorts and stood at the patio doors, gazing out at the pool in the backyard where Josh and Tony had spent a couple of hours earlier that afternoon, playing water volleyball. At least Josh was enjoying his new surroundings. He’d gotten that much right.
