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“Umm…you weren’t kidding. It’s like a room full of treasures. I feel bad taking anything.”
Yes, he figured, but he’d insist because he knew her house was bare and that’s what friends did. They helped each other when they needed it. He knew she wanted space from him, so he’d give it to her. He’d never force himself on anyone, even for friendship. But first, she had to take what she wanted from the shed.
“I want you to have whatever caught your eye. Please.”
Perhaps it was the added please or the determination in his eyes, but she nodded, a sweet smile emerging.
“I’d love the dresser and the china cabinet. The table and chairs would be nice too. Of course, the bed frame. The small nightstand was pretty as well.” She bit her lip, then added, “The two lawn chairs are nice and the table with the umbrella. I also liked the standing mirror.”
He couldn’t hold in his smile. “You didn’t like the coffee table?”
A beautiful giggle escaped. “I did, but I don’t have a couch yet and I can’t picture a coffee table without the couch.”
“I have a loveseat in the basement I never use. You can have it if you want.”
She frowned, and he knew he’d overstepped again. She’d flee at any moment.
“Why are you so nice?”
He didn’t know how to answer that. No one had ever asked such an odd question.
“Because my parents raised me well?”
She giggled again. “You don’t sound sure about that.”
“I don’t know how to answer that. I like helping people. It’s always been in my nature. It’s one of the reasons I became a cop.” He tossed a shoulder up. “Plus, I love solving puzzles.”
She tensed at that, her eyes sparking with fear. As quickly as it appeared, she tried to cover it up.
Oh, yeah. She was a puzzle all right, one he was determined to ignore.
“Okay, I’ll take the loveseat too.”
He nodded, unable to hide his triumphant smile.
She looked down when Walter grazed her leg. “Oh, you have a cat.”
Why did she sound so surprised? Did he not look like an animal person? Or just not a cat person? Before Walter, he wouldn’t have considered himself a cat person, but the title fit him now. The house would feel empty without Walter roaming around.
“That’s Walter. That means he likes you. Normally, he stays in his own space when people are around.” He was not always a people person. Walter could be a grouch on occasion, especially with company.
Her eyes met his, another tender smile appearing. Then she gave Walter a few strokes on the back before standing up. She swallowed before speaking again. “Moving all that won’t be easy. We should eat to build our strength. I’d like to try your lasagna. Here. If the offer still stands.”
He knew getting to know her would be difficult, like walking on shaky ground with no safety in sight. But he’d always known that from the beginning. Nothing had changed. Except his attraction for her increased every time he touched her. So he’d stop touching her. Keep it strictly platonic and on friendly terms.
“Definitely. Have a seat and I’ll grab us some plates.”
He grabbed the lasagna from the fridge then, turning, he collided with her. His hands were full, so he was unable to catch her, though she wasn’t so completely unsteady that she fell. Her hands caught his shoulders before she could.
“I’m sorry. I…I thought I could get by before you turned.” She pointed at the sink. “To wash my hands.”
Her fingers on his shoulders sent the desire straight to his cock, making him want to toss the container to the side and pull her into his arms. Kiss her like he had wanted to in the foyer. Except she pulled away from him, backing up a step.
Right.
No touching.
No kissing.
