Page 42 of Falling for Brody

Why did he feel like this was a good introduction into how it was going to be between them for a while? "Good, if it's not a big deal. I'll pay."

He heard her hum again and wondered if that was how she helped to manage her frustrations.

"You know," he chanced a look in her direction, "the same thing you said to Stephen applies to us."

That got her attention and she turned a little in her seat to look at him. "Oh? In what way?"

"I'm going to take care of you, Rhea. You and Chip."

He turned onto the road leading toward the center of town and waited to see if she was going to say something.

No, he knew she was going to say something, just not what she was going to say.

"You... you don't have to, Brody."

He smiled and flicked on his signal to turn. "I know I don't need to, but I want to."

"Brody..."

He shifted forward in the driver's seat, keeping his hands on the steering wheel because if he didn't, he knew he'd reach for her.

Again.

"You've just moved to a new town. You and Chip have been by yourselves for a bit from what I understand. I just want you to know that you're here in Fallport and you're not alone anymore. You're my partner on the rig and that means something. I've got your back."

"Brody. My head's spinning."

Yeah.

"Spinning?"

"Moving here was supposed to be something... calm. This has all been a bit of a rollercoaster in just the first couple of days."

"I bet." He smiled and pulled to the side of the road while he dialed the diner on his phone.

It picked up quickly. "Sunny Side Up. This is Sandra."

"Sandra." He hoped his voice wasn't too upbeat. "Glad I caught you."

"Brody? Always good to hear from you. What's going on? Can I make something for you?"

"Yes, you can." He grinned at Rhea and then lowered his voice a little. "I forgot to ask. What flavor?"

She half-whispered back. "Banana? Do they have that?"

He shrugged and talked into the phone. "Two milkshakes, please. One chocolate and one... do you have banana?"

"We do! What about some fries?"

He didn't need the fries, but there was something addictive about the fries from the diner. "You know me too well. Fries, please."

"I'll have it ready in a couple of minutes. I'll put it on your tab."

"Thanks, Sandra. You have a good night."

"And you," she replied, "stay safe out there."

"Thanks."

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