“My roommate and I live on the first floor. We’ve been here for a few years. It’s convenient to the commuter rail and shopping.”
As she opened the door, he reached for her hand. The light came on, and he blinked. Her gaze focused on his hand holding hers, and he let go. Too bad. The feel of her skin was soft and warm against his own and caused awareness to rush through him.
Now wasn’t the time for him to become aware of a woman. Maybe once he had a bit more experience and time at his job, he could think about connecting with someone. Not now.
“Thanks for coming tonight,” he said. She squinted in the bright light and nodded. “I know Annie appreciated the support and all the information you’ve given her.”
“Happy to help. Thanks for the ride.”
“Perhaps we’ll run into each other at the hospital. Or if Harrison and Annie have more questions.” Or if he happened to drop by radiology.
“I’d be happy to answer anything they need to know.” She walked to the front door.
Blake waited until she slipped her key into the lock and went inside. The stray thought bouncing in his head wasn’t welcome.What else would make her happy?
Carli pulled her key from the lock and closed the door behind her. The soft sounds of the TV floated her way as she shuffled into the living room. The closed-captioned words ran along the bottom of the screen. Mercedes lounged on the couch while her brother, Evan, sat in the chair by the front window.
Who was that dropping you off?he signed. Had he been spying on her like he’d done when they were teenagers?
“What do you care?” she signed back while simultaneously voicing for Mercedes’ benefit. Not that Mercedes wasn’t fluent in ASL, but Carli liked to voice with her when she could. Her roommate was always honest if she hadn’t pronounced something correctly.
I’m your big brother. I need to protect you.He cocked his head, his brown waves falling over his forehead.
“You’re only fifteen months older than I am. And I can protect myself.” Dropping her purse on the table by the kitchen, she toed off her shoes and shrugged out of her light coat.“It was someone I work with. We were at a Baby Sign class tonight.”
Fancy car. Is he a rich dude?
“He’s a doctor, and yeah, pretty sure his family is wealthy.” Why did the thought make her scowl? Because she knew he wasn’t in her league. As if someone like him would ever look at someone like her.
Evan walked closer and tapped her left CI.Well, since you’re all hearing and everything, you might have a chance with him.
The disdain on her brother’s face was hard to miss.
Pushing his hand away, she said, “I’m not looking for a chance with him. It was a work thing.” One she hadn’t really needed to go to. Why had she? To make Annie more comfortable, right? Sure, that was part of her job as an advocate.
Then, why were your cheeks all red when you walked in and your face all dreamy? Evan teased.
“Oh, shut up. What are you doing here, anyway?” She pulled a water bottle from the fridge and took a large swig. She loved her brother, but he could be a royal pain in her behind at times. It was October and chilly outside. Her red cheeks had nothing to do with Blake holding her hand or the smile he’d given her as she left the car.
“Bugging me. What else is new?” Mercedes signed and voiced, her eyes going back to the TV.
Evan flipped one of Mercedes’ dark brown curls in the air and made a face.Just making sure she doesn’t forget ASL.
“I live with your sister, you twit.” Mercedes swatted at him. “I’m not likely to forget how to sign.”
Her brother’s expressive face became Attitude Central as he glared at Carli.But you’re a hearing girl now. Why bother with signing?
“Because sometimes I get tired of wearing the CIs.” To emphasize the point, she took off her left processor and placed it in the case on the counter. The relief was glorious.“Plus, the batteries need to be recharged, and I could use a little peace and quiet.” There had been so many babies and people talking at the class tonight she’d become a bit disoriented. Then, trying to focus on what Blake had chatted about in the dark car. Too much stimulation for one day.
Removing the other one, she said, “Which I won’t get if you’re here.”
Evan snagged her water bottle, took a sip, then placed it back on the counter to annoy her most likely.Dad won’t be thrilled if you get involved with this guy.
Mercedes cocked her head. “He’s a doctor, right? What’s not to like?”
I assume he’s hearing,Evan signed.
Carli shook her head. “Yes, he is. Dad’s a bit of a snob.”
