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When I got backto my classroom, Stone was there leaning against the wall outside the door, a paper bag in his hand. When he spotted me, he smiled.
“Thanks for bringing lunch,” I said as I approached.
“Anytime.”
We stood there awkwardly for a moment as I tried to process how happy I was to see him. He continually knocked a chink in the walls I’d put around me. As much as I didn’t want to, I had a soft spot for him that terrified me but also gave me a warm feeling that I wasn’t familiar with but definitely did not hate.
I broke the silence. “I’m sorry about the ranch.”
He worried his bottom lip between his teeth. “I’m not sure I can save it this time.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Other than pray, I don’t know if there’s anything anybody can do.”
“I can definitely do that.” Stone’s anxiety was palpable, which heightened mine. If prayer was what he needed, I was more than willing.
“That means a lot. When you talk, the Big Man listens.” He pointed up, his mouth fighting to curve up, though his face was still strained.
“He listens when anyone speaks,” I corrected, though I wasn’t so certain of late. But I’d had so many good years, it wasn’t fair for me to get greedy. These troubles would pass…I hoped. I inhaled deeply and let my heart control my mouth. “Would you like to come over for dinner?”
He brightened, and for a second, seeing the relief in his face made tolerating my apprehension worth it. “Six-thirty, right?”
“Don’t get excited. I just don’t want to be alone with Daniel and Vivian.” While that was true, I wasn’t completely sure it wasn’t more important to me to be there for Stone. He was upset, and my instinct was to soothe him, even at the risk of my own nerves.
“Running interference is my specialty.” He winked and sauntered away.
What had I done?
Chapter Ten
Muriella
The doorbell rang.
I dropped the last of the grocery bags on the counter, knowing perfectly well who it was.
“Hey,” I said as I threw open the door. “You’re early.”
Stone leaned against the doorframe. I pretended not to notice how perfect his jeans looked or the way he filled out his flannel shirt. Just like I’d pretended not to notice at the school earlier.
“Hey, yourself. Thought you could use some help in the kitchen.”
My insides turned to liquid heat as a warm feeling rushed through me. I wasn’t sure if it was a welcome change to the cold I’d felt since Daniel’s revelation or not. This happened every time Stone was near, yet I’d become good at ignoring it. That task was becoming more and more difficult, however.
“You gonna invite me in, or is this as far as I get today?”
“Can I take your jacket?” The question gave away the annoyance at my unsettled state. I didn’t want him here, but I was also happy to see him. This constant contradiction when it came to Stone was wearing me thin.
He shrugged out of the chocolate leather and handed it to me. I made busy work of hanging it in the foyer closet as my regret for inviting him simmered. Things were different between us now that we’d been on a date. I wasn’t too proud to admit I couldn’t handle my pendulum of emotions regarding Stone on top of my anger with Daniel.
I settled on irritated, my emotional state of choice lately it seemed.
He followed me to the kitchen and began unpacking one of the grocery bags.
“Where’s this go?” He held up the beef tenderloin as if it weighed nothing.
“On the counter, please.” I scooted another bag over to make room for it.
