Page 31 of Make You Stay

With a chuckle, I scoop her petite frame into my arms, noting how right she feels pressed against me. “I’m going with a mix of all three, so you’re lucky you’re cute.”

Chloe smiles, wrapping her hands around my neck. “I have my moments. Hopefully, I didn’t do any permanent damage.”

I have some medical training, so my guess is she twisted it. How seriously, I’m not sure. “I used to work as an EMT, so I’m fairly certain it’s not broken. But I will wrap and ice it for you—downstairs, because that’s where you’re moving for the next few days.”

Without waiting to hear her arguments, I carry her into the family room, depositing her on the sectional sofa. Thankfully, Betsey believed in comfort over looks since Chloe is now relegated to the couch.

Unless I take her home.

Do I want to? Absolutely, but I know where she’ll end up—naked, in my bed, as I deliver my own brand of care.

But the problem lies in the fact that I can’t give Chloe what she wants, so it’s best to keep some distance, no matter what my heart says.

Her wide brown eyes regard me, a small smile on her mouth. “Is there anything you can’t do? Build houses, check. First aid, check.”

“I’ve been told I’m pretty damn good in other areas, too.”

Now, why did I say that? Is it true? According to my past liaisons, it’s more than true, but that’s not the point. I just decided to put distance between Chloe and me. Still, every time I open my mouth in her vicinity, a flirtatious sentiment drops out.

Her smile widens. “I’m fairly certain that’s a guarantee. Ouch,” she yelps, grasping her ankle again.

“Stay there. I’m running to my house for supplies.” I hurry home, grabbing the first-aid kit and ice pack. On the way out, I pull the tins of barbecue from the fridge. At least this way, I ensure Chloe eats tonight.

Settling next to her on the couch, I pull off her shoe and sock. Figures she has the prettiest feet I’ve ever seen, too. Smooth and soft, with brightly painted nails. Ticklish, too, judging by the way she jerked her foot when I grabbed it. Best not to do that again, at least not until she’s healed. Then, it would be fun to torture her a bit.

I wrap her ankle, sliding the ice pack against the bandage. “There, I’ll get you some pain pills.”

“Can I have wine instead?”

Smiling, I nod. “Sure. I brought over the barbecue from the other night. Thought we could eat it for dinner.”

“You’re staying?”

It’s hard to determine from her surprised look if she’s happy about this concept. “I figured we could have dinner and watch some television. Maybe tease you as you try to hop around the house.”

She chews her lower lip, her fingers plucking the blanket. “Aren’t you seeing Barbara?”

“I wasn’t planning on it, but I can leave if you’d prefer.”

“I’d like you to stay.”

I refuse to look a gift horse in the mouth. Returning to the kitchen, I heat up the food and pile everything onto a tray, complete with the requisite wine.

Chloe accepts the bowl with a smile, shifting to a seated position. “Thank you, Aidan. No one ever takes care of me.”

Her words give me pause as I realize no one takes care of me, either. But somehow, it’s sadder coming from Chloe. Such a beautiful woman should have a man doting on her, not taking her for granted. “This is nothing. Wait until you have the flu.”

“Will you hush? Donotput that out there,” she huffs, digging into the food. “This is delicious.”

“Better than pub food?” Yes, I had to get that one in there, a reminder of the meal she missed while dining with Zeke.

“I didn’t have to pay for this, either.”

I toss down my plate, scowling at her. “Wait, just a damn minute. He made you pay?”

“He forgot his wallet.” She shushes me, holding up her hand. “I know it’s a bullshit excuse, but I wasn’t about to walk out on the server.”

“Chloe, if you go out with him again, I’m personally kicking your ass.”

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