Page 42 of Samuel's Heart

While I wait for it to arrive, my mind goes to Rory. It’s as if my thoughts can’t stay away from him and what he’s going through. Before I can think better of it, I shoot him a text.

Hey, how are you?

While I think about what else to say, I accidentally press the send button.

It doesn’t take long for Rory to reply.

I’m okay, thanks. You? How is your leg?

I’m okay, and my leg is still attached ;)

I’m glad to hear that.

I wait for a few seconds just in case he writes more, but when nothing arrives, I send my next text, bringing the conversation to the only thing we have in common—finding John’s organ recipients.

I’ve got more info. I’m trying to make sense of it. I’ll call you in a few days, or when I’m done with all the paperwork.

Do you need any help? I’m good with this kind of thing.

I’m not sure what to say, and I think spending more time together is not a good thing. Not when his closeness stirs emotions inside that I don’t want to feel.

I must take too much time to reply because before I can think of an answer, I receive another text from him.

Please. Let me help. I want to do something to find John. I can’t stay in the house all day while I wait for you to call me.

Ah, fuck. How can I say no to that? Also, I want to see him. Can I want to see him when he’s still so focused on his dead ex?

What the fuck am I thinking? Nothing is going to happen between us.

Okay. Let’s meet tomorrow.

Again, I send the text without it being complete. And once again, Rory is so fast in replying to me he gives me no choice but to agree with him.

I’ll come over to your place, so you won’t have to walk around. Your leg must be hurting. Is twelve okay? I’ll bring coffee and something to eat.

Okay. Sounds good.

I don’t have the time to think about having him here in my personal space, because my bell rings. I abandon my phone to get up and get to the door.

Tomorrow, I’ll think of something, so we won’t be in a closed space together.

Chapter Sixteen

Rory

I knock on the door at twelve o’clock. I was so eager this morning to have something to do that I woke up at too-early o’clock and cleaned before getting ready to go out. It was still early, so I had a coffee at the café near Samuel’s place, and then when the time was right, I ordered what I needed to finally be at his door.

I’m still not sure he was happy with the arrangement, and I was waiting for a text to tell me not to come. I was ecstatic when it didn’t happen.

Now I’m here waiting for him to open the door and let me in.

I hear some noises and then after a while the door finally opens, and oh my days, my jaw drops at the sight of him. Bedhair, sleepy eyes, and a very naked upper body. All those muscles are on display for me to enjoy and salivate over.

“Hey.” His husky voice makes me shiver.

“Hey,” I rasp out, still trying to get a hold of myself. “Do you want me to come back later so you can get dressed?” I say, while indicating his naked chest.

I shouldn’t be as affected as I am by him. But there is nothing I can do when my body seems to have a mind of its own.