“Uh, no. That won’t be necessary.”
“I’m serious,” he pushes. “Let me help you get you that baseline knowledge so you can show up to the classes with a little more confidence. The beginner classes restart in a few weeks. That’s plenty of time.”
My stomach growls and my eyes burn with exhaustion, which means I’ve had enough of this chit-chat for the night. My patience is wearing thin. “Remington, I appreciate the offer, but no, thank you. I’ll be just fine. Now, goodnight. I’d like to enjoy my evening…alone.”
A grin splits his face as he takes a step back toward the stairs. “Alright, goodnight, Daddy Moore. But just so you know… I’m not takin’ no for an answer. We’re doin’ this. Doctor’s orders, remember? And when you’ve got some relief from your pain and stiffness, don’t forget to thank me for pushin’ you to keep goin’.”
Remington bites down on his bottom lip and winks before he turns on his heel and strolls down the steps. He climbs into his truck without another word or backward glance, and all the while, I watch him from my doorway, stupefied by what just happened.
Seven
Remi
One thing I’m learning very quickly is that thirteen-year-olds can size you up faster than a battalion chief. We’ve been inside the house no more than two minutes, not even long enough for Lukas to set his bag down, and it’s like he’s stepping onto a scene—eyes scanning everything, taking it all in. Assessing his new home. It’s not his first time being here, but it’s like he’s seeing it in a whole new light.
“Remember where your room is?” He glances over his shoulder at me and nods, apprehension swimming in his gaze. “If you wanna go put your bag down in there, I’ll get started on unloadin’ the truck.”
“Okay, sounds good,” he offers, his voice smaller than it normally is. I think he’s nervous, which is understandable. Hell, if I’m being honest, I’m a little nervous too. “I’ll be right out to help.”
“Take your time.”
Lukas disappears down the hall, and I pad into the kitchen and open the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water to guzzle down.Between him and I, we loaded everything from his grandma’s house and the storage unit into the back of my truck in under two hours. Not bad timing for there only being two of us. His grandma offered to help, but there was no way in hell I was letting her lift a thing with the limp in her step and a brace on her wrist.
“Knock, knock.”
I lift my gaze toward the door as I watch my sister walk inside like she owns the place. A smile tugs on her lips when she spots me.
“What are you doin’ here?”
“Well, hello to you too.” She chuckles. “Thought you could use some help.”
My chest warms. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“I know, but I wanted to.” Sadie shrugs casually, completely unaware how touched I am that she showed up to help. I didn’t want to ask anyone to burn through their Saturday morning moving. “Plus, I wanted a chance to meet Lukas before you go back to work.”
“Good idea. He’s in his room, but should be out soon.”
“I’m right here,” Lukas mutters, rounding the corner. His eyes find Sadie immediately before darting to me.
“Lukas, this is my sister, Sadie.” I tip my chin toward my sister. “Sadie, this is Lukas.”
“Uh…hi,” he says meekly, standing awkwardly in the entrance of the kitchen with his hands folded over his chest. “It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.”
“Oh, please, not the ma’am.” She snickers before closing the distance and pulling him in for a hug. “I’m so happy to meet you, Lukas! I hear we’re gonna be spendin’ some time together soon.”
“Yeah…”
I chuckle to myself at how awkward this exchange is. Sadie is such a social butterfly and has never met a stranger, and Lukaslooks like he wants to crawl out of his skin. Hopefully, once he’s settled, he’ll feel a little more comfortable.
“Alright, let’s get this truck unloaded,” I say, clapping my hands. “I can order us some lunch when we’re done.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Sadie offers, holding up a bag I didn’t realize she had when she walked in. “I brought stuff to make toasted Italian subs.”
“Fuck yeah. Let’s get this over with then.”
My sister clicks her tongue to her teeth. “Probably should watch your mouth now that you have little ears around.”
“Oh, trust me, I’ve heard it all,” Lukas mumbles. “My dad was a firefighter too.”
