“Isn’t that exactly what a creepy guy would say?”
“Maybe… But I’m not seeing any better options right now. Are you? Besides, you’re not that heavy. What are you…like 130 pounds?”
I stammered, trying to say something before finally blurting out, “You don’t ask a lady her weight.”
He laughed. “I was just guessing. You and Carissra have roughly the same build. She’s bigger than you, and I know she weighs 135 pounds. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“I’m not offended,” I said, letting out a sigh. “This is humiliating. Let’s get it over with.”
“I won’t tell a soul.”
With that, I threw one arm around his neck, and with his help, he lifted my legs and carried me up the next two flights of stairs. Laying in his arms, nestled next to his chest, I could feel Kirk’s strength. His nerdy teacher looks and baggy clothing did an excellent job of hiding what I envisioned was a pretty solid physique. Part of me wanted to rest my free arm on his chest to cop a feel, but I stopped myself. The last thing I needed was to make a habit of grabbing men’s pecs in public. The tabloids would have a field day with that one.
Before long, we stood on the landing to our floor. Kirk gently put me down.
“Just lean on me until we get you into your apartment,” he said.
“Where’s Carissra?” I asked, feeling the floor beneath my feet. “How is she going to get up here?”
“She’s at a friend’s house right now. The security guard said he’d call me when the elevators were working again. When that happens, I’ll call Carissra, and she’ll either come home on her own or I’ll go walk with her. She’s independent, but I still don’t like her coming home at night by herself.”
“Smart move. There’s still the random act of violence or criminal mischief around here. Thankfully, this is a nice neighborhood in a nice part of town. But crime is part of living in a big city, I guess.”
“Exactly.”
When we got to my door, I pulled out my keys, and he helped me inside the apartment, making sure Bootsy didn’t try another escape act. He helped me to the couch and made sure I propped my ankle up. He then helped me remove my shoe and sock, which was a bit on the humiliating side. He felt the ankle.
“Doesn’t feel broken. Wiggle your toes for me.”
“So, you’re a doctor now?”
“No, but I was a camp counselor when I was in college. Those boys were always spraining or breaking things. Got pretty good at tending to the basic cuts and sprains. Your ankle,” he said, gesturing to the purplish mark appearing, “is only slightly sprained from the looks of things. Staying off your foot for a couple of days with ice will get you back on your feet in no time. I wouldn’t overdo it until you’re 100 percent, or you could end up with a worse sprain.”
I let out a sigh, and he shot me anI’m sorrylook. I put on my best fake smile. “I know it’s not your fault. And thank you, I really appreciate your help. I’m mad at myself for being stupid. With all my years of dance classes, you would think I’d be more graceful, but nope.”
“Do you have an ice pack?” he asked suddenly.
“No, but I have some frozen vegetables in the freezer.”
Kirk walked over to the freezer and pulled out a bag of frozen mixed vegetables. He had me put the bag of frozen peas, carrots, and cauliflower pieces on my ankle. I winced at the cold, but the ice quickly performed the soothing sensation. Bootsy jumped up on the couch and nestled in beside me.
“Well, I really should head over to my apartment. Need me to check on you later?”
“Nah, I think I can handle things.”
“Great. I’m next door if you need anything.”
Kirk turned to leave. “Umm, actually…I’m having some friends over for dinner. It’s sort of a celebration. I would love for you and Carissra to join us if she’s home already. Amani said he’ll be here at 6:00 to cook, so it could be anywhere between 6:00 and 7:00, depending on what he’s making.”
“Sounds like fun, but you really don’t need to invite me—“
“Pshaw. You fed me pizza last night and carried me to my apartment. It’s the least I can do. Besides, Amani is cooking, not me. Trust me, I would only threaten to cook for you if I was trying to punish you for something.”
He chuckled at my attempted joke.
“So, what are we celebrating? You said it was a celebration.”
“I got the role.”
