This time Eddy stepped in. “You don’t owe us any explanations. Most everyone else stopped by to drop off food and then left. We’re just glad you’re okay. Now that I know you are, me and Sandy better head out. Call me if you need anything. Tell your mom the same.”
Andy hugged him. The exhaustion his mom complained of had finally reached him. Nothing sounded more inviting than his bed. That and a nice stiff drink. He hadn’t been eating well, so he forced himself to eat his chili while Samira and Mary sat as quiet companions.
“Thank you both so much. You really didn’t have to step in and do all of this for me.”
“Of course, we did,” Mary interrupted. “You go on up to bed and get some rest. You look terrible. Samira, make sure he gets up there okay while I clean up and pack a container for Elizabeth.”
Andy watched in amusement as Samira rolled her eyes but followed her aunt’s orders. He didn’t object when she put her hand on his lower back before leading the way to his bedroom.It was no surprise when his mind went to the last time she was with him in his bedroom.
“Did you need anything from down here before you go upstairs?” Samira offered, interrupting his thoughts.
“Actually, I was thinking about pouring myself a drink, but I guess it’s a little early for that.”
“Nope. I got it,” Samira said before stepping away to get a glass. She quickly poured some whiskey into a glass and then rejoined him by the stairs.
They walked up to his bedroom in silence. It took more restraint than he was aware he had to keep from asking her to stay. He wanted her to stay with him, but he wouldn’t ask when she might feel obligated to say yes.
She placed his drink on his nightstand after he took a seat on the bed. “I’ll get going if you don’t need anything else.”
“Thank you for being here,” Andy said quietly, his focus diverted to her mouth.
“Of course. No matter what else has gone on between us, I’ll always be here for you. I hope you know that.”
Before he had a chance to change his mind, he pulled her close. Briefly, he held her gaze before returning his attention to her mouth. He missed that mouth of hers. He met her soft lips in a silent thank you, forcing himself to pull back before he turned the thank you into something she would regret.
“I’ll call you tomorrow,” she whispered with her eyes still closed.
He couldn’t resist pulling her close for one more quick kiss. After taking a moment to savor the contact, he reluctantly released her from his grasp.
“Thank you for everything,” he breathed.
She leaned close for another kiss, placing a hand on his cheek, and held him still while she carefully intensified the kiss. Hecovered her hand with his as he parted his lips and swiped his tongue along hers before allowing reason to take over.
“I’m sorry,” he groaned. “Call me tomorrow.”
Once she walked out of his bedroom and down the stairs, he closed his eyes and silently chastised himself. He just buried his father. His mind should not be stuck on his love life. Even if he couldn’t get his emotions under control, he had no right to put Samira in that position. She made her choice, and it was wrong to try to change her mind while she was feeling sorry for him. No matter how badly he wanted her.
He took a generous drink of whiskey before stripping out of his clothes and heading for the shower. Between the alcohol and the hot shower, hopefully he would relax enough to get some sleep. His sleep had been sporadic since his father passed. He spent most of his time worrying about his mother. Since she seemed better after the funeral, he would shut everything off and try for some real sleep.
After his shower, he glanced out the window and found Samira’s car was gone. Since he had the house to himself, he didn’t bother with pajamas. He slipped on a pair of boxer briefs, picked up his phone, and then climbed under the covers. The whiskey felt warm going down as he thought about what to say to Samira.
Thanks again for everything.
He took another drink while he waited for her to respond. He was getting ready to give up and go to sleep when he felt his phone vibrate.
You don’t have to thank me. I’m glad you let me be there for you. You know where to find me if you need anything.
He had a hard time telling over text if she was just being polite or if she really meant it. He didn’t want to come off as needy, so he’d either have to figure it out over their short exchange, or it would have to wait until he saw her in person.
I’m sure you’ve already done more than enough. But I mean it. Thank you. And I’m sorry about that kiss. I wasn’t thinking.
He watched his phone for the reply.
I’m not complaining. Goodnight.
Goodnight.
He put his phone back on the nightstand before he typed something he would regret. He kept thinking back to his mother’s advice from earlier. He had to get her back. He needed her like he needed air to breathe. It killed him to wait for the right time, but he knew there was no other way.
