Of course it was, but she didn’t want to tell me yet. We ate without speaking, the television on low for background noise. After a few minutes of the only other sound being our utensilshitting our plates, I spoke again. “I’m not giving up on you, lemondrop.”
"I can’t imagine what is making you say that. I’m used to people leaving. You don’t have to make promises that you may not be able to keep.”
“I’m going to do my best to keep it.” I traced my thumb across her jawline before sitting back against the couch.
Eloise smelled like a mouthwatering combination of jasmine, rose, and something else uniquely her. She tasted even better, though I doubted she would let my lips near hers again anytime soon. Instead of trying to convince her why I’d be a good choice for her, I dropped my hand. Actions spoke louder than words. I intended to show her exactly what sort of man I was. No matter how long it took.
Three
Kingston
Letting myself into Reed’s house with his keycode, I found him and Eloise curled up on opposite ends of the couch. They weren’t touching. An entire barrier of throw pillows was wedged between them. That was odd. Reed had been crushing on Eloise for a while. Not that she would know, since it sometimes took him a while to get out of his shell. Shaking Reed’s shoulder gently, I made sure not to shake the entire couch. He opened his eyes and blinked at me.
“Hey, sunshine.” I helped him sit up. “How’s your head?”
“Still attached,” he murmured. “What time is it?”
“Two in the morning. Come on. You’ll be grumpy as fuck if you sleep on your couch.”
“You didn’t have to check on me.”
“Yes, I did.” I helped him to his feet. “You can’t tell me you got hurt and not expect me to come over.”
“August was already here and did an assessment.”
“I know, and nowIam. Does your head hurt?” I waited for him to start moving so I could observe the way he walked. Reed rubbed his head as he went to his room.
“Yes, but my current headache is from arguing with Eli most of the night.”
“What were you two arguing about?”
“Pick a topic,” he grumbled, staggering into his room.
I assisted him into bed before checking his eyes with a penlight I kept on me at all times. Feeling around the top and sides of his head for my own curiosity, I palpated gently and then dropped my hands. “Sounds like the two of you had a rough night.”
“She’s so stubborn. Feisty. Fiery. Worst of all? She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. She would flirt a little but then immediately sass me. Ugh!”
“So, it sounds like she likes you, but perhaps she has some other things that she’s dealing with.”
“Yeah,” he agreed. “I’m sure you’re right. I wanted her to sleep in my bed, but I couldn’t get the nerve to ask her. Not after I kissed her and she told me not to do it again. Even though it was the best kiss of my life. Maybe I’m just fucking lonely,” he rambled.
“I think you have a lot of things on your plate that you could use balancing.”
Reed tugged the covers over himself, but kept his eyes on me. His chest rose and fell as he laid there simply studying my face. I didn’t know if I’d upset him, or if he was feeling more lost.
“Yeah, well it’s not like I have someone to handle it.”
Rubbing my mouth, I thought very carefully about how to reply. We had been friends most of our lives, we were not strangers. But the way he said his last statement about not having anyone to handle his shit prickled my Daddy senses. I let out a long breath. “Do you want someone to handle your plate?” I dropped my tone into that low husky growl that he’d admitted drove him wild.
“Don’t you dare,” he said, eyes narrowing. “I’m sure as hell not going to ask you to–”
“To what, Reed?” It sure seemed like he could use exactly my brand of care. I’d been looking for a partner, open to two, for more than a hot minute. Taking care of Reed was something I did naturally. Adding in a relationship and a dynamic wasn’t a huge leap.
“I don’t know, man,” he muttered.
“I’ll help Eloise to the guest room and be right back.” I offered him the chance to turn me down. “Is that okay?”
Reed regarded me for a few moments, likely trying to think through his sleep-addled brain. “Yeah, King. You should consider staying here. I mean since it’s late and you’re coming off a long shift.”
