Page 88 of The Wounded Warrior

“It wasn’t reassuring to answer the door to a little lynch mob, so I totally understand.”

“What did they want?”

“To tell me to stop buying things.” He tossed towels in the dryer, which was off the kitchen and closer than the towel warmer. Then he pulled her out a chair. “I’ll be right back to get you dried out and warm, ma’am. Two shakes.”

Then he headed back out to Luke. “Hey. Let me grab your chair.”

“Thanks. I didn’t bring my crutches since it was wet. I didn’t want to slip and bust my ass in front of Momma.”

“No, and that ramp is slick as snot.”

“That wooden rail you put in helps, though.” Luke had concern face when he got to the passenger door with the chair. “Are you okay, babe?”

“I’ll be better when we get inside. Believe it or not, that was the first time I’ve drawn down on someone.”

“No shit? It was kinda hot.” Luke laughed, some of the strain falling away.

They got Luke out of the truck and into the chair, and Luke held him when he would have straightened, kissing him on the mouth short and hard.Oh, hello.

“Yeah. I almost sprung wood with you and the rifle. I approve.”

“We’re going in there to have lunch with my mom. We have to behave.”

“Right. I’ll volunteer to take you home after, though, so I can have my wicked way with you.”

“That sounds so good I might embarrass myself. Good thing it’s cold.” Luke nodded. “Up we go.”

“I’ll push. If I fall, please don’t roll back and crush me. I’m trying to impress your mother.”

“I can hold the rail.” Luke was breathless with laughter, though.

“Uh-huh. Let’s go before she freezes.”

“If you have a fuzzy robe she’ll want it. And socks. Her dress can go right in the dryer.”

“I’m on it. She’s a stud.”

“She so is.”

“Is what?” Mrs. LeBlanc asked. Her teeth were chattering.

Shit.

“Did you want a hot shower, ma’am? I can offer a fuzzy robe and some clean sweats and socks.”

He hurried to the dryer even before she answered, grabbing towels and wrapping her up in them.

“Oh.” She huddled into the towels. “That would be a kindness.”

“Let’s get you set up, then, shall we? Then I’ll make coffee with hot chocolate in it.”

“That sounds lovely.” She gave Rory a smile like the sun coming up.

“Good deal.” He found her soft sweats, a robe and fuzzy socks and towels, waiting for her dress so he could toss it in the dryer.

The dress popped out of the bathroom and he caught it, laughing. He grabbed more towels and the pair of sweats and hoodie Luke had left in his dresser.

“So, this isn’t exactly how I’d intended this afternoon to go, you know.”

---