Page 10 of Love Takes A Tumble
"Not a problem." He hesitated, then added, "I hope I haven't been imposing. Miss Doris pointed out I might have a bit of a hero complex."
Audrey's lips curved into a small smile. "Just a bit."
"If it's been too much?—"
"It hasn't." Her eyes met his, startlingly direct. "It's been nice having someone around who notices what needs doing without being asked." A faint blush colored her cheeks. "Though I'm not used to it."
"No?"
She shook her head. "I've always been the one doing the noticing. Taking care of things. Of people." Her gaze drifted back to the garden. "It's strange being on the other side."
Harrison understood perfectly. The discomfort of needing, of accepting, when you've built your life around being the giver, the fixer. "Like trying to write with your non-dominant hand," he offered.
Her eyes widened slightly, surprise and recognition flickering across her features. "Exactly like that. Awkward. Unfamiliar." She tilted her head, studying him with new interest. "You understand."
It wasn't a question, but he answered anyway. "More than I'd like to admit."
Another silence, this one charged with something new. Recognition. Connection.
"Would you like some coffee?" he asked. "I could grab you a cup."
For a moment, he thought she might accept. Then she shook her head, but there was warmth in her eyes that hadn't been there before. "I should get back to my writing. But thank you."
As she gathered her crutches and prepared to stand, Harrison resisted the urge to immediately help her. Instead, he waited, watching as she found her balance with careful determination. Only when she was steady did he rise, holding the door for her.
"Harrison?" she said, pausing in the doorway.
"Yes?"
"I hear there's a sunset cruise tomorrow evening. Around the lighthouse." She didn't quite meet his eyes. "I was thinking of going. For research."
His heart gave a sudden, hopeful leap. "Research, huh?"
"For my book." Now she did look at him, a challenge in her green eyes. "Would you like to join me?"
Harrison couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. "I'd be honored."
"Good." She nodded once, as if confirming a business arrangement, but he caught the hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Seven o'clock at the marina, then."
"I'll be there."
Chapter Five
Audrey stood at the edge of the marina dock, acutely aware of the gap between the wooden planks and the gently bobbing tour boat. One small step for most people, but something of a challenge when balanced on crutches with an injured ankle. Behind her, Harrison waited patiently, making no move to assist unless she asked. She appreciated that more than she could express.
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the water, turning it to liquid gold. A perfect evening for a lighthouse tour. For research, of course. She'd repeated that to herself at least a dozen times while getting ready, as if the mantra might quell the flutter of anticipation she'd felt since Harrison had accepted her invitation.
"You sure you don't want a hand?" he asked, his voice close enough that she could feel his warmth at her back.
"I'm sure," she replied, adjusting her grip on her crutches. "Just stay close?"
"Always."
The simple word resonated through her, stirring something she'd thought long dormant. She forced her attention back to the task at hand, gauging the distance and shift of the boat againstthe dock. Taking a deep breath, she maneuvered herself forward, letting one crutch cross first, then placing her good foot securely on the boat deck before bringing the injured one across.
"Welcome aboard the Island Lady," greeted the captain, a weathered man with salt-and-pepper beard who nodded approvingly at her successful boarding. "Nice work. We've got a smooth evening ahead, so your ankle should do just fine." He gestured toward the passenger seating. "Best views are port side for the lighthouse approach."
Harrison stepped easily onto the boat behind her. "Port is left," he whispered, close enough that his breath stirred the hair near her ear.
