“Well, we can’t let that happen. I’m sure you did the man thing and just didn’t listen to the details.”
He scratched the back of his head and gave me a self-deprecating smile. “That might be it but I’m never going to admit that to her.”
“Damn shame.”
“What?”
“Not being able to be wrong. Doesn’t bode well for you. Is it an ego thing or…” I trialed off realizing I’d spoken out of turn and I shouldn’t have. “I’m sorry—”
“You’re good. And you’re right. I gotta do better with that. Thanks for giving me a reminder.”
I could only nod hoping that he wasn’t going to hold a grudge about it later.
“You…you’re welcome.”
“I promise you’re good. I’m not going to bite. But I am going to insist that you get whatever you like for in here. She’s going to get out of the hospital in a few days and I’m not sure how much I have going on. If it makes you feel better I had to get furniture for my room. We can head to the store and add to the order if that makes you feel better.”
“I can order something online and have it delivered.”
“Like from a chain store?”
“Yeah it’s no big deal. They actually have a good variety of items and it won’t be as expensive as an actual store.”
“I feel like you’re being cheap with yourself and you don’t have to be.”
I couldn’t help but laugh because the one thing I couldn’t be with myself was cheap. Smart with money, yes, but nevercheap. I was frugal and would only spend money on things that were important. My mattress was important, the headboard that sat behind it was not. “I promise it will be good quality. And it shouldn’t be more than four thousand dollars to get a bed, frame, nightstands and a good mattress in here. I’m sorry but I’m slightly particular about mattresses and since your daughter is so young having an adjustable mattress is almost a non negotiable.”
“Why does that matter?” Since he seemed genuinely interested I decided to educate him gently.
“Because of her age and how she came into this world she will need more intense bonding when she comes home. Only being held by nurses and being kept from constant contact because she was in the incubator means she needs to re-establish bonds.” He was nodding his head like he understood what I was saying but he still looked disconnected from all of it.
“Yeah, all that is good. And like I said money is not an issue. I know a few of the women from the team office that can help since their mothers.”
“Not willing to join me?”
“For this? Nah, you’re definitely on your own. I’m just the bank.”
“Hmm. Well since things aren’t ready for me here tonight, I’ll find a hotel nearby if that’s okay with you. You can let me know when I can come back to get her things stocked.”
“I have a passcode made up for you so even if I’m not here you’ll be able to enter the house and disarm the alarm. The only thing I ask is that you keep it armed at all times.”
“I’m sure that privacy and protection are your biggest concerns given your job. I’ll make sure I follow directions at all times.”
“Cool. I’ll show you the system and get it installed on your phone before I get you back to the airport.”
Something about his offer put me on edge. I wasn’t sure if it was my own awkwardness or his vibes but I didn’t want to put him out. “I can easily call a car—”
“You could but I’m here and I’m able. It’s the least I can do since I didn’t have a bed for you.”
Aldrich was staring at me like he dared me to keep refusing his help so all I could offer was nod. “I appreciate it.”
His smile was small but that dimple still popped out of the side of his face. “It’s not a big deal. You’re saving my life with agreeing to come on. For that, I can’t thank you enough.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Day dreams
STERLING
