Page 39 of The Trauma Response
Chapter twenty
“Thanks for talking this out with me and going to the game,” I say.
“Thank you for giving me the benefit of the doubt, unending patience, and all of this,” Whits says, holding up her goodies from the game, which were difficult to get home on my bike. Evan really stepped up for me. I’ll have to thank him.
“You are very welcome.” I stop at the front door and wait while she unlocks it.
“I had a lot of fun. And if you’re up for it, then I’d like to hang out again later this week. I need to buy a car at some point, but after that, I should be a little freer to meet up.”
“I can take you car shopping if you like.” I really hate car shopping, but if she needs a ride, then I’m her guy.
“I’d love for you to take me, but if I don’t take Jackson then he’ll be annoyed and I’ll never hear the end of it.” She rolls her eyes and turns around to face me. “Thank you again for being such a great friend, Cai. I really needed you, and you’ve been so good to me.” She blushes and looks down at her feet.
“Hey, I’m just here to make you smile while you heal. It’s my pleasure, beautiful.”
“Stop, Cai,” she drawls. “You’re too good to me, and you know it. By the way, what’s with the ceramic cat?” She scrunches her nose.
“Too much?”
An eyebrow arch.
“Really? I thought it was cute.”
The other eyebrow goes up.
“All right, I ran out of ideas. Thor thought it was cute, so I sent it to you. I actually think it is appalling, and if you trashed it, I would not be offended.”
She giggles and takes my hand. “I don’t think it’s appalling at all. Mr. Whiskers is currently the most adorable paperweight in the history of paper weighting.”
“Is he?” I ask, drawing her near. She’s so close, she has to crane her neck back to look into my eyes.
I can’t help myself and brush my fingers under her chin. She closes her eyes, setting me up for the perfect moment. And I chicken out. My heart stops as adrenaline takes over, so much so, I can hardly focus on the moment, let alone the woman. Rather than ruin it all by giving her a hasty first kiss, I step back and groan.
“I gotta head home. Long day ahead of me.”
“You’re on shift again tomorrow? I can’t keep up with your schedule,” she admits. She steps back and frowns, making me wonder if I just ruined it.
“Me either sometimes, but it’s only twenty-four hours. I’m covering for a friend who needs the day off.” It’s so hard to let her go, but I finally convince myself we’re back on the right path and she’s not going to go rogue on me again. “Can I call you tomorrow?”
“Of course.” She pushes up on her toes and kisses my cheek, then hurries inside. “Night, Cai.” I’m still blinking in surprise when she waves me off and shuts the door. I stumble to my bike, wishing I’d thrown caution to the wind and gone in for the kiss regardless of my mental status. Who knows if I’ll get that perfect set up again anytime soon.
When I finally make it to my bike, I know I need some advice. I am officially out of my depth with Whits, especially because if I kiss her, it’s a done deal. Signed, sealed, delivered. I’m never going to want to kiss another woman for the rest of my life. Ialreadydon’t. I switch my phone to voice text and pull up the Baddie Bikers group chat. It’s already alive and running, so I interrupt everyone’s good time with my drama.
I need advice. Just dropped Whits off and there was almost a kiss. I chickened out as usual. Nothing has changed in ten years.
Holt
Look who finally decided to drop in. Where have you been? This chat’s been on fire for half an hour.
With Whits. I thought I established that. Help me.
Christian
You better lock her down while you have the chance. Lots of single guys at the office are interested in her.
Thor
Dang, that’s cold, Boss. He’s right though. Better get to kissy kissy time with that one. She won’t be available for long, not with those pretty eyes and amazing personality.
