“No more than I would you.” She relaxed her arms. “I really like you, Aaron, and that puts me in panic mode. I’ve dated since Josh, but nothing serious. Sunday night made me realize you were different. If we had a relationship, it wouldn’t be like the rest.” Her cheeks turned pink, and she combed a hand through her hair. “I can’t believe I’m saying all this.”
“I’m glad you are.” Splaying his fingers over her arms, he pulled her to him. “I don’t know what the future holds, but I can promise you that I’ll always be honest with you. Commitments mean a lot to me. If I make one, I won’t break it.”
She pressed a palm against his chest. “There might be times I’ll flounder. I might get scared and pull away when I don’t want to. It’s not fair to you.”
“I’m a patient man.”
“I’m not good at remembering things.”
“That’s what calendars and digitals reminders are for.” He slid his hands up her arms and onto her shoulders. “Any more excuses?”
“You should know what you’re getting into. I’m full of flaws.” Her eyes darkened with self-doubt.
“So am I.” He brushed a hand over her hair, wishing he could wipe away all her insecurities. “I leave my socks wherever I take them off, and I hate washing dishes so I use paper plates way more often than any thirty-three-year old should.”
She giggled and sniffled at the same time. Only from her could he find the sound endearing. “I don’t mind washing dishes.”
He pulled her to him. “Maybe we’re two imperfect people who are perfect for each other.”
“I like that.” Her contented sigh drummed against his chest.
“Can we give us a try?”
She opened her mouth, but no words came out. She tried again, then nodded.
Her slightly parted lips tempted him to kiss them. She leaned into him with an invitation. He lowered his head to hers, stopped short of lettings his lips meet hers.
She would have let him, even welcomed it, but he saw the hesitation in her eyes. With all his restraint, he moved his head and kissed her cheek. “Tomorrow’s a big day. You should get some rest.”
A combination of relief and regret mingled in her expression. “You’re right.”
“I can come by in the morning, go with you to the vet.”
“Would you, please?” She held her hands in front of her. “I could use the moral support.”
His hand grazed her cheek. “I’ll be here at seven.”
Chapter Thirteen
“I can’t do it.” Hysteria escalated in Rachel. She knew better, but anxiety took all reason away from her.
“Yes, you can.” Aaron gripped her shoulders and made her look at him. “You’ve come this far. You can’t back away now.”
“What if I can’t handle how she looks?” She huffed, angrier at herself than anything. “I’m a wuss. A big, lousy, sissy.”
Ever patient, Aaron spoke to her in calm, soothing tones. “Have you seen an amputee before and thought less of them?”
She shook her head vigorously. “Of course not.”
“Have you been grossed out by a missing limb on a person or animal?”
“Never.” The thought that anyone could be appalled her.
“Then why would it be any different with Roxie?” His eyes never left hers.
“She’s mine.”
He broke out in a tentative smile. “All the more reason that you have nothing to worry about. You love her no matter what her new style will look like.”
