He’s been so gentle. Sweet even. But I can see the turmoil behind his baby blues. One minute he’s scared shitless and the next his rage is simmering beneath the surface. He thinks I don’t notice, but I see through his calm façade. He knows me as well as I know him, so he’ll see through me too, but I hope to keep the full weight of my anxiety from him.
Inhaling and exhaling several times, I stand, give my hands a few shakes to get rid of my trembling and force myself forward. Rounding the corner, I find him waiting on a stool in front ofthe kitchen island. His laptop is closed behind him, and mine is sitting in front of one of the empty stools.
“Hey,” he says with a sad smile.
“Hey.”
“I would have helped you down the stairs. Just scream my name next time. I know you know how.”
I gasp, my mouth hanging open as heat floods over my features. I’m sure I’m beet red.
“Don’t act so bashful, sweetheart. You love screaming my name. You’d be lying if you denied it.”
“Asshole.”
“I prefer truth teller.”
Thank God he’s back to teasing. It’s just what I need.
“Agree to disagree.”
He pats the stool next to him.
I cross the room and take the offered seat. I don’t pull away when he takes one of my hands in his. The feel of his thumb caressing my skin in a steady pattern calms my shattered nerves. I hope he never lets go.
“So, who did you call first?”
I drop my gaze to our joined hands, hiding behind my hair.
“Clover.” He tucks my hair behind my ear, bringing my face into view. “I gave you twenty-four hours. This isn’t right. I’m calling Cal.”
“No!” I panic.
“Daisy, either you do it, or I will.”
Shit!
“Fine! I’ll call Charlie.”
He hands me his phone. “Here you go.”
“I can’t use your phone,” I huff.
“Why not?”
“She’ll see your name on the caller ID.”
“Who cares?”
“I do.”
His lips thin into a smirk that does nothing to hide his hurt. He nods his head. “Right.” His gaze tears from mine. “I’ll go get your phone.”
I open my mouth to say something. Anything to take away the pain I keep inflicting on this man, who’s done nothing but take care of me the last two days, but nothing comes out.
Now who’s the asshole?
Back in less than a minute, he hands me my phone and waits.
