“Sorry,” I say again.
The automatic doors slide open, and Fable loops her arm through mine. “Don’t be. It was veryknight in shining armorof you.”
“No more scoundrel in ugly scrubs?” A warm breeze brushes against my cheeks, and I draw in a deep breath. Let it out slowly.
She pats my forearm. “Not tonight.”
Once she’s settled into the passenger seat, I stand in the open door, my heart beating an unsteady rhythm from the last couple of hours. Swallowing around the heavy lump in my throat, I whisper, “I’m sorry. Iwas excited to tell you something and burst in your door. Then I heard my name and ran upstairs, andfuck. I should’ve turned around immediately. I know I should’ve, butyou were so...” I swallow thickly. “I didn’t mean for you to get hurt. I never would’ve wanted that, and—”
“Theo.” Her hands bracket my cheeks, and my words stop. She pulls me toward her, and I lean into the cab, planting my hands beside her thighs. Her palms are warm. Her scent fills my lungs. Calms my mind.
With only a few inches between us, her eyes hold me captive—firm and soft at the same time. “I’m okay. You’re okay.”
My jaw tenses. “You got hurt because of me.”
She shakes her head, adamant. “Youdidn’t hurt me. You wouldneverhurt me.”
I breathe in the words. Try my best to let them soak through to my bloodstream. The ache in my chest loosens a little.
Her thumbs glide in a slow caress over my cheekbones, and her lips curve up in a small grin. “Now, I could really use some dinner.”
Chapter 16
Fable
“This isn’t the way to my house.” I glance sideways at Theo. “Are you kidnapping me?”
A passing streetlamp illuminates his smirk, and it soothes my heart a bit. He’s slowly coming back to himself.
“Not kidnapping,” he says, turning onto the road he lives on. “But if I’m going to stay at your house, I need to bring Layla with me. She can’t be by herself all night.”
My eyes go wide. There’s no way he can stay in my house. After everything he’s seen tonight, I think some personal space might be for the best. “You know whocanstay by herself, though?” I ask, pointing at myself.
“Vivian told me to keep an eye on you. Ican have her on the phone in five seconds if you want to hear it straight from the doctor herself.”
Dammit, Vivian.“I’m fine though. Ihave to be up early to help Dad fix the goat pen anyway, so I’ll go to sleep right away and by the morning, I’ll be good as new.” Another idea dawns on me. “Or I can sleep at my parents’ house...” My words fade away when I realize I’ll have to explain the wound on my head. Maybe a hat will cover it.
A sharp turn into his driveway, then he pushes the gearshift into park and angles his body my way. “Let me take care of you. I’ll cook you dinner, keep you company, tuck you in. Think of it like you’re doingmea favor.” His eyes are tender. So full of concern and warmth that all the fight leaves my body.
And that’s how I end up with a large dog planting slobbery kisses on my cheek all the way back to the A-frame. She’s truly adorable—white fur with splashes of fawn spots all over her body, three long legs, and enough excited energy that I wonder if she’ll be able to sleep tonight.
When we arrive, Theo insists on carrying me inside. He sets me on the couch, fluffs the pillows, steals the duvet from my bed, and nestles it around me before handing over my phone from my nightstand. Then he pats me gently on the head, leaving me in a cozy cocoon. Ieven have built-in entertainment as I watch Layla’s attempts to climb the boxes of books while Knocks sits at the top, tail whipping sassily. Only a cup of tea would make this better.
The audio erotica app is still up when I open my phone, and I swipe away quickly. The last thing I need is that replaying with Theo here.
Henceforth, that moment never happened. My brain is going to completely block that from the memory bank. No vibrator. No Theo. Definitely no thinking about the fact that it washisface that popped into my head right before the pivotal moment. That was a dream (nightmare?) and nothing more.
“Where are all your groceries?” he calls, opening and shutting cabinets.
“Don’t have any.” I scroll through my missed texts in our family group chat and heart all the pictures of Avery and Eloise at their school program. “Wait. Did you see the cereal?”
“Fabes, cereal isn’t dinner. How are you surviving on no food?”The kettle squeals, and I hide my grin behind my phone. Gotta give the man credit—he’s actually great at this caretaking thing so far. “Hold on. It’s a miracle. Found the stuff for grilled cheese. Knight in shining armor strikes again!”
I roll my eyes. “Don’t push it.”
He rounds the corner with a mug, dimples on show. “Milady,” he says, offering me the tea.
I peer down at the creamy brown hue—the perfect color. When I lift my gaze to thank him, he’s leaning closer to inspect my bandage. His fingers are featherlight against my forehead, brushing my hair back. My focus glides over his throat a few inches away. Icould so easily press my mouth right there, where his pulse flickers rapidly.
