“Me too.”
Chase flinches, looking uncomfortable.
“What?” I ask. “What’s wrong?”
“Is there something I should know about you and my brother?”
“Not really. Gavin is my only friend in Peachwood Falls, and I’m pissed at him for playing me like he did.”
He blows out a breath. “I’m not sure I like you being friends with him.”
“Well, I’m not sure I give a shit if you like it or not.”
He lifts his chin. I do the same.
He straightens his shoulders. I do, too.
He gives me a look like I’m pushing his limits, and I raise him anI’ll walk out of here if you don’t like it.
Finally, he shakes his head and growls.
“Glad we took care of that,” I say smugly. “When do you want me to start?”
“Tomorrow.”
“What time?”
“Eleven thirty.”
“So specific.”
“You asked.”
I roll my eyes. “Fine. What do you need me to do while I’m there? Your mom told me you would let me know what you expected.”
A couple with a wheelchair comes down the aisle toward us. Chase jumps up and apologizes before putting his chair back where it belongs. He stands out of the way as they push through. Then he takes the seat across from me.
His leg brushes mine as he gets situated. I pretend I don’t feel it, like a rip of heat didn’t just blow through me like a hot knife.
“I’m not … I don’t know,” he says. “I’ve never had someone do this before. What are you supposed to do?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never done this before either.”
“Oh.” He pauses and looks around the room. “You can do whatever, I guess.”
That doesn’t help.
“Look,” I say, resting my forearms on the table. “Your mom is paying me well. I’ll be at the house anyway, and Kennedy will be at school during the week. I don’t want to overstep my bounds or get into something you don’t want me to do, but I don’t mind going to the grocery store or doing laundry. Dishes. I can cook a little, too, if you want.”
He lifts a brow. “You cook?”
“It’s not the greatest stuff you’ll ever eat, but I can put together a simple meal.”
“All right.”
“All right.”
We grin, both relieved, I think.
