“Okay.”
“And silence.I love me some silence.And a good sunset, especially while soaking in the mineral springs.Oh, and I can’t forget the pleasure of a fast horse.”
She’s chuckling again.“Those are all wonderful things.”
“Last stitch.”
“What else?”
“Well, I appreciate the best clothing made by the best tailors using the best fabrics.”
“I already know that.”
“And Italian shoes.”
“Like the ones you messed up pushing me off the curb.I know that, too.”
“I like my house.It’s impeccably furnished, and everything is exactly the way I like it.I designed it myself.”
“I know.It’s a beautiful home.Maybe the most beautiful I’ve ever been inside.”
I’m about to ask when she was inside my house when I remember.Of course.She was there a lot in the spring when she went above and beyond to help me after surgery.
When she stayed by my side.Made me steak and eggs.Put fresh flowers on my bedside table.And checked that I was comfortable.
She did all this at a time when I was not a pleasant human being to be around.Even worse than usual.
Suddenly, I have to force myself to focus on the last stitch, because I hear a loudclick!in my brain as the pieces fall into place.
Phoebe isloyalto me.She cares for me.Forreal.
Sheknowsme.She knows my world.My colorful family.My quirks.I don’t have to explain jack shit to her.She already understands.
And she likes me anyway.She’s got a crush on me.She may even think she’s in love with me.
Nope.
Now’s not the time to have an existential crisis, not with a needle in my hand and the storm of the century bearing down on us.Not after I swore I wouldn’t mangle the beautifully sculpted bottom that’s been entrusted to my care.
“Keep going.”
“That’s enough.I’ve finished with the sutures.Hold still while I add ointment and get a bandage in place.”
“Okay.But tell me more while you’re finishing up.”
“I’d rather not.”
“All right.”
I know I’m coming off as a dick, but I don’t care.I work quickly, knowing that I need to get her bandaged and covered up before I do something stupid.
Something incredibly fucking stupid.
Because at the moment, I’m feeling like I can’t trust myself, and Ialwaystrust myself.
No matter what.
CHAPTER 25
