Page 28 of Backed By You
She shakes her head. “No, I…should be fine.”
She doesn’t look fine with the way she stands awkwardly beside the door, her hand on the doorframe as she peers inside. She looks lost. Vulnerable in a way that tugs at something deep in my chest.
“I’ll be right next door,” I say casually, jerking my thumb over my shoulder. “If you need anything. Anything at all.”
She nods, but doesn’t look up.
“Even if it’s just…” I hesitate, searching for the right words. “If you don’t want to be alone tonight. The offer stands.”
Her gaze lifts to mine, searching my face for something. Ulterior motives, probably. “If you need backup, that is,” I continue, feeling a little self-conscious at the offer I’ve made. I step back, giving her space. “Try to get some rest, Callie.”
I turn away and walk to my truck, drawing in a deep breath of crisp, night air.What am I doing?This isn’t like me—offering to stay with a woman as protection, inserting myself into her life. But something about Callie has gotten under my skin. It’s been there since the moment I saw her.
I grab my duffel from the backseat, telling myself I’m being practical, kind. She’s injured, distressed, and without a phone. It would be irresponsible to leave her alone.
“Beau?”
Her voice stops me when I start toward the rental. I turn. She’s standing in her doorway, one hand braced against the frame for support. “Did you mean it?” she asks, her voice small. “About staying?”
“I don’t say things I don’t mean.”
She nods slightly as if confirming something to herself. “Would you—I mean, would you mind? I know it’s asking a lot, but—”
“It’s not.” I’m already walking toward her.
Relief visibly washes over her. “Thank you.”
My jaw tightens at the hopeful expression she sends me as I approach. She opens the door farther. An invitation that has my pulse racing.
Be her backup. Nothing more.
“I really appreciate you doing this,” she says quietly, closing the door behind me. I kick off my boots at the door. “I just… I don’t think I can be alone with my thoughts right now.”
I know all about the thoughts that come when there’s nothing else to drown them out.
“And it’s not like you haven’t made yourself at home here before,” she quips.
I freeze, glancing at her out of the corner of my eye.
“Sorry,” she says, quick to apologize. A blush rises to her cheeks. “I didn’t mean it like you weren’t welcome. Well, I mean, youweren’t, but now youare. I should probably stop talking.”
Embarrassment creeps in. “Mind if I use the shower first?” I ask, needing to change the subject.
She nods, telling me to go ahead.
I close the bathroom door behind me and drop my bag on the floor before turning my gaze to the man in the mirror. Something shifted the moment I saw Hulk limping toward me, the determination in every painful step he took. The moment I carried Callie down that mountain, her arms wrapped around my neck, trusting me completely despite barely knowing me aside from being her dick of a landlord who hates flowers and porch swings.
You’ve made one hell of an impression on her.
This is my chance to make things right.
Whatever this night is about to become, it certainly doesn’t feel like there will benothing moreafter tonight.
Eleven.
Callie
Well,thisisn’tcodependentat all.
