Page 66 of His North Star
Heat climbed up my neck. My white shirtsquelchedaway from my chest as I tugged on it. I shivered, goosebumps pricking along my arms.
“Don’t you keep a change of clothes around here?” Ty cleared his throat. “Or upstairs in your old closet?”
I shook my head. “No, I don’t.”
“How about you wipe up the floor and I’ll go get you clothes?”
“What about you?” I pointed to his drenched shirt and pants, pinching my lips to hold back my smile, even though I was mad at him for spraying me in the first place.
He shrugged. “I’ll be fine.”
“My dad might have something you can wear.”
“Really, I’m fine.”
“What’s wrong with my dad’s clothes?”
“Nothing. I’m quite a bit taller”—he motioned to his long legs—“and I have some gym clothes in my truck I can change into.”
“You sure it’s not because you’re too good to wear clothes from people like us?”
He looked as if I’d slapped him. “Of course not. Why would you say that?”
That was a low blow. His money had nothing to do with it. I threw a hand over my mouth. “Oh my goodness, Ty. I’m so sorry.” I hung my head. Regret filled me with its heaviness. “I didn’t mean that. Sorry.” Fatigue made my brain stop working. I honestly did not believe that just because Ty was rich that he was too good for me. Under normal circumstances, I’d never have said something so rude.
He folded his arms across his chest. “What is up with you today?”
The easier answer might be whatwasn’tgoing on?
My head pounded with every single worry. I was burning the candle at both ends and not getting enough sleep. The résumés we’d received weren’t promising. Then there was James. I wasn’t sure if it was time to call it quits or not. Our schedules just didn’t match up. Yes, I liked him, but we hadn’t spent enough time for me to sacrifice more of myself to make us work.
I had to cancel the second astronomy night with the community center because I’d been working like crazy since Mom’s accident. My period was due in a few days. Mom wasn’t healing as quickly as the doctor said she would. The wind had been let out of her sails, and she didn’t quite have the desire to get it back. And last, what was supposed to be my wedding day was seven days away.
“Lots of things.” I moaned, letting my shoulders sag.
He dropped his arms to his sides. His head tilted as his concerned eyes met mine. “Talk to me. Are you okay?”
I shook my head as tears stung my eyes. Exhaustion—physical, mental, and emotional—overpowered me.
“Come here.” He motioned with his hands to step closer to him. Our waterlogged bodies stuck together as we embraced. He held me and I settled my cheek on his wet shoulder. I inhaled deeply, letting every stress point come to a peak, before slowly releasing my breath. Everything was less scary in Ty’s arms. I lingered, his strength infusing into me. I squeezed his torso before stepping away.
“Feel better?”
I held my finger and thumb about an inch apart. “A little. I think I just need a nap.”
His face fell. “Oh. I was looking forward to today, but if you need rest, let’s reschedule.”
Ty was the only bright spot in my never-ending cycle of work. “If it were anyone else, I’d take them up on that offer. But I won’t do that to you. I’ll be there.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah.”
“Thanks.” He nodded once. “Because I really do need your help, and maybe you can tell me everything while we work.”
“You see houses all the time. I’m sure you can pick a paint color you like.”
“It’s more than that. I’ll even put up with your attitude.” He half smiled.
