Page 25 of Sugar Pie
His proximity to me made my legs feel like spaghetti for a second. I’d always wanted to be like him. “You were lucky.”
He placed his hand on my back as if he would protect me from life, which was so tempting to consider. “I really was.”
As we headed out, my mind raced. I ached for him to kiss and hold me and never let go. Deep down, though, I knew it was a bad idea. I had a sense that the feeling of wanting him might grow, and I feared that I would want to be near him forever.
My face heated as we neared the truck. “So how come you’re so nice?”
He held my door for me. “I don’t remember a lot about my birth parents, but I do remember my dad telling me that I should always try to walk through life in someone else’s shoes. He said, ‘life isn’t easy, son, so if you can make it better for a fellow traveler, you should.’ I try to remember that when I’m having a discussion or disagreement. It’s less about right and wrong and more about point of view. Seeing how the other person views the question can be illuminating.”
My heart melted a little as he closed my door. I watched him walk around the front of the truck, marveling at the man. Once he got inside, I said, “Empathy is a good quality.”
He started the truck to head home. We weren’t far from our apartment. “Good. I’m glad we’re getting to know each other.”
I glanced out the window and wished I had my feelings under control. I wasn’t normally so emotional. “Maybe we should be careful about the ‘getting to know each other.’ Work might be easier if you and I keep a little distance.”
“I don’t want that.”
Me neither.Not that I would ever say that out loud. It was too dangerous. I pivoted and studied him. His words were full of trust and hope.
I glanced down at my feet as we turned in to the parking lot. “You don’t have to save me. I’d have figured out a lawyer and a job on my own.”
He turned off the engine and then placed his hand on mine. “When I went to Mrs. Morris’s house to hang her chandelier, I wasn’t looking for you or anyone to save. It’s not my habit. I just knew I liked you right away.”
Sparks rushed through me. My lips tingled, but I would never let myself kiss him. I blinked. “We can’t be more than friends.”
He didn’t move. “Understood.”
I took my hand away and quickly cupped his face. The afternoon shadow sent thrills through me, but I didn’t move. “Good, because I like you too.” Then I let him go and hopped out of the car.
My words had to be true. We could only ever be friends. It was all I had to offer.
11
Kerry
The next morning was easy. I made breakfast while he showered. The image of his naked body in the water played in my mind, as did the idea of stripping and joining him.
However, I wasn’t that much of a risk taker. I whipped together a quiche so that he could take some for his lunch.
I set the table and turned on the laptop as the coffee percolated.
I blinked at the no-signal sign and restarted the laptop. I paced, and my heart pounded. I needed to work. My shoulders slumped when he came out, and I met his gaze. He stared at me, and I knew he would ask, so I shook my head. “The internet is down.”
He licked his lips. “No worries. We can check on that later. How would you like to get out for an hour or two and help me install some ceiling fans? It would be a lot easier with a second pair of hands.”
The idea of seeing him work again had goose bumps growing on my body. I knew he would be busy. I grabbed my coffee and his cup of water. “I don’t know how much help I’ll be.”
“Unwrapping stuff and handing it to me so I don’t have to go up and down the ladder saves me half the time.” He tasted his breakfast then ate like he’d never had anything so delicious. My pulse zipped—he still liked my food. Once he finished, he wiped his mouth with his napkin.
I finished my quiche and coffee then stood. “Okay. When I get back, hopefully, we’ll have the internet working, and I’ll build the website.”
“Sounds good.” We took our plates in the kitchen, and I put his lunch into the refrigerator. Once we washed everything, he said, “Thank you.”
I had no idea why he thanked me. I was the one who needed to repay him. We gathered our things and walked to the truck. Once inside, I said, “And I’ll bid and book more jobs for you as soon as I have access to more than just my phone data.”
He winked at me. “Helping out and keeping the day bright by working together sounds great to me.”
True. Every day promised new possibilities. I hummed as we headed to a newly constructed home.
