Page 41 of I'll Keep Her Safe

I’m heading into the courtyard of Wyatt’s house when the front door closes next door. I glance up, curious, because I haven’t met Wyatt’s neighbors yet, and my mouth pops open in surprise when Daisy steps out, her camera around her neck.

“Daisy?” I pause, turning to head to her stoop instead. She finished work a few hours ago, and mentioned going to shoot tonight.

“Oh, hey, Poppy.” She pauses in front of me, glancing at the open gate to Wyatt’s courtyard. “What are you…”

“I’m staying with Wyatt. Do you know him?”

A grin breaks across her face. “Yes! He’s my neighbor.”

“Wait…” I glance from Wyatt’s place to the attached townhouse next door. “Do you live here?”

She nods. “With Wes. I can’t believe you’re staying next door! We’ll have to invite you and Wyatt over for dinner.”

My neck heats, as if she’s implying we’re a couple, or something.

Which she clearly isn’t. Why would she?

She cocks her head, eying me curiously. “How do you know Wyatt?”

“His daughter is my best friend.” I shift my weight. “She moved to San Francisco, and I needed somewhere to stay, so…”

“So he offered? Of course.” Daisy smiles warmly. “He’s such a nice guy, isn’t he?”

“He really is,” I murmur, meaning it. I think back to everything I learned about him last weekend, while I helped him with his back and he let his guard down. Then there’s the way he’s so sweet and affectionate with Sugar, all the cuddles and belly rubs…

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little jealous.

Pain ripples through my abdomen and I grimace, gripping my belly. I know I don’t have long before the cramps will incapacitate me, and I step back.

“I’ll leave you to your photography,” I say, wincing, and Daisy frowns.

“Are you okay?”

I nod. “Cramps.”

“Ah.” She gives me an empathetic smile. “Go rest, and let me know if you need anything, neighbor.” She grins at this. “I’m only a text away.”

Despite the ache in my middle, I smile as I wave goodbye. “Thanks.” I’ve missed Bailey ever since I moved out, but knowing my new friend lives next door is nice. I liked Daisy from the moment she stopped me from walking into traffic, and I’ve only grown to like her more at work.

I let myself into the house, go to the bathroom and pop a couple Advil, then change into my coziest PJ bottoms and fluffy socks. I contemplate crawling straight into bed, but I’m supposed to make dinner as per my agreement with Wyatt, so I head back downstairs where I collapse onto the sofa, willing myself to get up and cook. Another sharp twist in my abdomen makes any fleeting motivation vanish.

Fuck it. I’ll buy us takeout with my marketing money instead.

I tug a blanket over me as I wait for the painkillers to kick in, and Sugar jumps onto my belly, curling into a ball. The warmth and pressure of her help the pain, but it’s not the same as my heating pad. Wyatt had it last, but I can’t go rifling through his room looking for it. I’ll wait until he’s home.

Then my eyes close and I drift off.

I waketo the feeling of Sugar leaping off me. When I sit up, yawning, I spot Wyatt pouring food into Sugar’s bowl.

“Sorry,” he says, straightening up. He’s in a clean white T-shirt and sweats, his hair damp from the shower. “I tried not to wake you.”

“No problem. I didn’t mean to fall asleep.” I glance at the sliding glass door to the yard where the evening sun has faded into a soft gold. “What time is it?”

“Eight-thirty.”

“Shit.” I scramble to stand. “I’m sorry. I was going to cook, but…” Ugh, I donotwant to tell him I’ve got my period. That only freaks men out. “Would you mind if we order takeout tonight? I’ll pay.”

His brows tug together into a frown. “No way.”

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