Chapter 17
“Is there anything else you need while we’re out?”
Scott looked at the pile of bags sitting in the cab of his truck. They’d been running from place to place trying to get whatever Heather needed to survive for the next week or so. He still couldn’t believe she had chosen to stay with him over her parents. Well, he could see why she didn’t want to stay with them: she was twenty-seven and had lived on her own for a while. But her sister had also offered.
“I need to stop at the pharmacy and pick up my prescription. The doctor’s office said they’d call it in so I couldget a refill.”
She got in beside him then shut the door. It only took a few minutes to get there and he went inside with her.
“I’m capable of picking up a small bag of pills bymyself, Scott.”
“I know you are.” He guided her inside and to the counter. “Humor me. I told your father I’dkeep you safe.”
As she waited for the pharmacy tech, he slipped into one of the waiting area chairs then leaned his head back. There hadn’t been much sleep for either of them last night. Partly because of the sex, but also because they were so hyped up over the explosion it had been difficult to relax enough to fall asleep. Her behavior toward him today had been warm and friendly. Not that they hadn’t had that before, but he wondered if it was simply because she was grateful. It’s not what he wanted from her. Hewanted it real.
The tech asked Heather a few questions about any allergies and his mind wandered. The pills she was getting were her birth control pills. He’d heard her talking to the doctor’s office earlier, letting them know what had happened and why she needed more. Her face had flushed when she’d told them it wasn’t only for the irregular cycle.
Peeking at her in her cute dress, he pictured what she’d be like if she were pregnant. Round and filled with his child. Shit. The feelings knocked him over like an armored tank. Is this why Jack always had a grin on his face when he looked at Callie? The thought of Heather having his child filled him with emotions he didn’t know he had.
Shut it down, soldier.It was too early in their relationship to be considering a baby. But after the past week, with their date, the unbelievable sex, and Heather wanting to stay with him, it certainly wasn’t out of the question. Plus they’d known each other for almost three years. They weren’t strangers.
Holding a small paper bag, Heather approached and he snapped backto the present.
“I’m ready.”
She slid her hand through his arm as they walked back to his truck. “Thanks for running around with me doing errands today. I can’t believe my car was totaled with the explosion damage. The insurance company said I could get a rental, so I’ll probably do that later today.”
Glancing at his watch, he noted the time. “It’s already after four. We can do that tomorrow. Why don’t we stop at the grocery store and I’ll cook you up a great meal tonight? What would you like?”
After tossing her bag in the truck she leaned in close and whispered, “You. That’s all I need.”
He kissed her then nudged her into the seat, following behind. “That does sound perfect, but I’ll need some food for my stomach if I want to keep chauffeuring you all over the place.”
“I told you it wasn’t necessary to stay with me all day. I can use a cab or you can bring me to the car rental place right now if it’s that much of a problem.” Just like her to challenge him, yet her tone was hurt as shestared at him.
Shutting the door behind him, he started the truck then wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her near. “It’s not a problem. I told you that. It’s been fun running around with you, seeing you in action as you get people to snap to it and doyour bidding.”
Her nose crinkled and he reached up to smooth it out. “Hey, that wasn’t a put down. You are an incredible woman who has so much drive and ambition that you almost glow with it. I like baskingin that glow.”
“Sweet talker. Where’d you learn how to dish out allthat bullshit?”
“Had to do that in the Army to get the best choppers and supplies for my men. They appreciated it.”
She rolled her eyes. “I appreciate it too.”
Laughing, he kissed her again. “Yeah, that sounded sincere.”
“No, Scott, I do. I guess I’m still a little shell-shocked about my house being gone.” She hadn’t mentioned it much today, maybe trying to remove the horrid memory from her mind. The image of her lying on the ground unconscious was one he couldn’t seem to shake. It made himgo cold inside.
“That’s understandable. I’ll help youany way I can.”
“But you don’t need to protect me. I’m a big girl.”
Yes, she was, and he wouldn’t remind her of the mess she’d made when she went looking for Jian. She’d probably kick him in the balls.
The grocery store was fun. Heather kept pulling out her favorite snacks then tossing them in the cart. He’d hold it up to ask, “Do we really need this?” She’d nod and throw it back in.
“Seriously?” he said, holding up a packet of marshmallows.
