“No.”
“Dependence is a form of trust. There’s a big difference between depending on someone and being codependent.”
She was quiet for a long time. “In my mind I know that, but my heart tells me a different story.”
“Start small. Let me change the bandage for you.” Leaning over, he nudged her shoulder. “Don’t even lie and say you don’t mind. Your face can’t hide the truth.”
To his surprise, she laughed. “That obvious?”
“Unless your usual skin tone is a deathly shade of gray then yes.”
Her cheeks turned pink in an instant. “Blood never made me queasy until I was in high school, and a friend got hit by a car while riding their bike. Something in me shifted that year.”
“You don’t have to explain. I can’t do baby drool.” A shudder passed from his shoulders down his back. “I feel bad, but the moment spit started coming from my niece when she was a baby, I handed her straight to her mom or dad.”
“It will be different when it’s your own child. At least that’s what I’m told.”
“I hope so, or I’ll be a terrible father.”
“Somehow I doubt that.”
The compliment did funny things to his insides that caused a lump to swell in his throat. He coughed to clear it, then stood up. “I’ll gather our plates and trash.”
“I’ll help.” Once she was on her feet, she followed him into the kitchen.
“Do you want the leftovers?”
“Take them. You bought it.” She worked her way down the counter, sealing all the containers.
He placed the remaining food in the refrigerator under the guise he’d take it when he left, but he had no intention of the food coming home with him. He’d be gone most of the weekend, and the food would go to waste before he could eat it.
Rachel positioned their dirty plates and utensils in the dishwasher then wiped down the counter. “Do you need to get home for anything? If you’re not busy, we could watch a movie.”
“I’m in no rush.” He prayed his voice achieved the casualness he’d projected to hide his eagerness.
“What do you like to watch?”
“Most anything.”Please don’t say a chick flick, please don’t say a chick flick.
“Do you like true crime? There’s a new docudrama on MoreStream.”
His lips curled into a smile. Could he have found a more perfect woman if he’d tried?”
Chapter Seven
For the first time since Wednesday, Rachel relaxed. Fifty thoughts didn’t race simultaneously through her mind. The knots in her back loosened, giving her muscles much needed freedom, and her heart didn’t feel as though it would leap out of her chest.
Tonight proved to be exactly what she needed, thanks to Aaron.
She took her eyes off the ending credits and watched him. He’d moved to the floor beside Roxie again, comforting her when she’d started whimpering again. His hand draped limply over the dog’s back. If she didn’t know better, she’d have thought Aaron and Roxie had known each other for years.
He must have sensed her stare because he glanced up at her. “You know what always gets me about these shows? The criminals never think they’ll get caught.”
“Many of them are consumed by their hate and don’t spare a thought for the consequences.” She stretched out a leg to prevent it from falling asleep. “That’s why I like these type of shows. Justice prevails.”
“My sister hates true crime, but I watch them for the same reason as you.” He hunched his shoulders and let them fall. “I have a confession.”
“You’ve already seen this one?”
