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“Your friend? A girl?” He nodded, and she swallowed awkwardly. What an incorrigible womanizer. Good God, she hoped Steve wouldn’t have a heart attack. “I thought you’ve broken up with the girl who went to Japan with you.”
“That one is long gone.” He laughed. “There were a few more after her. I met Susan in Thailand, not in Japan. She’s coming to the US to work on her master’s degree in economics. I invited her to stay here, with me, to ward off boredom between my studies and Dad’s complaints. Besides, the house is so big, and she’s an incredible masseuse. As a nurse, you could take lessons from her.”
“A masseuse, hmm.” Damn. This was getting worse with every explanation. “Thank you.”
“So you’re house-sitting for the plants and pets again.”
“Yes.”
“You’re way too kind, Ms. Lillian. You shouldn’t let Dad take advantage of you.”
She’d babysat him when he’d been younger, and he’d never lost the habit of calling her Ms. Lillian.
“I remember you cooked for him occasionally.” He spun toward the fridge. “Is there anything edible in this fridge?”
“I have Chinese leftovers. I’ll get you some.”
“Nope. Don’t move.” Holding his bag against his neck he vaulted into action, sprinting to the fridge and snapping the door open. “Fantastic.” He dug out the two boxes, emptied them onto a plate, and shoved it into the microwave. “Smells delicious. Ms. Lillian. You’re saving my life after trying to kill me. I’m ready to forgive you. Did you want some?”
How could anyone hold a grudge against this charismatic young man?
“No thanks. I already had a salad.”
“I’m sure you could use some substantial food.” He spooned some noodles and beef and transferred the food to a second plate. “So when’s my dad coming back?”
“In three days probably.”
“Do me a favor, just in case he calls the clinic, don’t tell him I’m here. I want to surprise him.”
Oh dear, Steve wouldn’t call the clinic, but he would be calling her soon. Royce had just gifted her with a monumental headache—as if there wasn’t enough conflict in her life.
Without missing a bite, Royce continued to chatter about his adventures in Japan. Her interest piqued, she listened and laughed—until her phone rang.
“I have to take this call. I’ll be back to take the animals to the garage and clear the table.”
“You go rest, Ms. Lillian. I’ll handle the animals.”
“’Night, Royce.” She left the bag of frozen peas on the table and climbed the stairs to answer her call.
“Hi, Steve.”
“I miss you. What a day. You should have been here with me.” He told her about his meetings in details, described the renovation progress in escalating enthusiasm. “I’ll send you pictures. And then I want to see you.”
“See me?”
He sent her a few pictures in a text and immediately called again on video-chat. “Much better,” he said when they smiled at each other. “I went ashore for dinner and am now relaxing on the deck.”
“Aww, what a gorgeous boat.”
“Soon you’ll be here with me. We’ll share a drink under the stars. I hope you had time to think about it.”
“Huh.”
“Tell me you’re coming here, Lillian. Tell me you want to work with me in St. John.”
“Yes, yes. I would love to.” How could she refuse to live in heaven with him and build together a new future?
“That’s what I wanted to hear. I love you, babe.”
