“But in my TV show that’s how it would go.” Dee straightens. “Laney, was he a perfect gentleman while you were naked and wet in front of him?”
I pull my lips between my teeth to contain my guilty smile.
“Yeah, see, he’d leave the apartment, there would be a commercial break, and when the show came back on after selling me tampons, a new car, insurance for a home I don’t own, and trying to get me to buy tickets to a stock car race, he’d be in his car visibly wound up.”
Unfortunately, I can picture the scene exactly. And instead of some too pretty actor, I see Miguel with all the lines and character of his face.
“Okay, it’s exactly like one of those shows.” Dee claps rapidly and kicks her feet at my admission. “But he was very clear, we won’t let attraction get in the way. This is professional. He’s helping me get better.”
“In bed.” She interrupts and I sputter a laugh.
“No, not in bed.”
Yet.
With my body temperature finally back to normal I can acknowledge how fucking glorious it felt to be held by Miguel.
He smelled like mucky lake water but the hint of cinnamon gum lingered on his breath and it warmed me as he kept me close.
“Sure, we’ll just have to see about that." Dee says and I’m snapped back from my wistful daydreams of Miguel.
“Shut up.” I mumble as I reach forward to unplug the drain. “You working all day today?”
“No, I told my boss I’m taking the morning off but I have to be back by noon for a client workshop all afternoon.”
“Okay.” My muscles are stiff as I climb out of the tub. A combination of the cold from this morning and the expected soreness forty-eight hours after a race. Dee hands me a towel and I wrap myself up. A shiver runs down my body and Dee drapes my robe over my shoulders.
“Let’s get you dried off and dressed. Then bundled under a blanket on the sofa.”
“Okay.” I agree and I let her lead me to my room.
“What else do you have today?” She asks as she pulls fleece lined sweats from my drawer.
“Dog walking. I start at eleven and have clients until three.”
“Hmm, okay. Well I can help with the one at eleven but not after that.”
Before I get a chance to tell her Miguel offered to help, our buzzer sounds.
Dee turns to me with mirth in her eyes.
“Be nice. Be chill. Please Dee.”
“I got you girlie!” She calls out as she dashes to the front. “Coming!”
“He can’t hear you until you press the intercom.” I remind her as I slide into a Northwestern sweatshirt.
“Ohhel-low.” Dee says and I roll my eyes. “Welcome to our home.”
I walk down the hallway into the front room and see Dee sweeping her arm out wide.
“I’ve already been here.” He says, giving Dee a sideways glance. “How’s Laney?”
“I’m good.” I say instead of giving Dee free reign to answer his question.
“Good.” He nods as his eyes trail from my head to my bare toes. “You need socks too.”
“Yes sir.” Dee whispers as she walks past me.
