“I’d adopt her, but I’ll be away playing rugby.It wouldn’t be right to have a pet, no matter how much I’d like one.”
“You can spend time with her once she’s better,” Henry said, working on his gentle voice.“Tell me more about your rugby.”
“I’m lucky,” she murmured, her focus on her hands, one of which bore blood.
Henry cursed inwardly because he should’ve washed her hands and face.She didn’t need reminders of the attack.He’d seen a stack of facecloths earlier.After wetting one with warm water, he returned to the bedroom and sat on the bed to cleanse the dried blood from her hands.
“I should shower.”
“No!Gavin instructed me to monitor you.If you want a shower, I’ll have to watch.I’m not ready for that.”
Her gaze jerked upward, and her mouth dropped open before a slow grin crawled across her lips.“Do I scare you?”
Chapter 8
Henry’sexpression!Shesnortedout a laugh and immediately wished she hadn’t.Pain seared through her head, and she couldn’t help but wince.“Ow.”
“Head sore?”Henry asked, his horror wiping clean from his features.
“Yeah.”Maia didn’t know why, but victory flooded her.A sense of winning a battle.He was in the same room.She couldn’t say if it was willingly, but he wasn’t trying to slide out the door.And he’d touched her.Her heart beat a little faster as she realized that.This weird urge she experienced every time she saw him had a sexual component.There was this attraction simmering between them.Her gaze flew up to meet Henry’s, and he didn’t seem surprised.He already knew, and this was what he’d been fighting.
Maia opened her mouth to demand answers but changed her mind.She needed to think about this and analyze the situation because it wasn’t like she had time for romance.
“Stop looking at me like that,” Henry said, his tone harsh.
His touch on her arm was gentle, though, contradicting his attitude.She knew without a doubt he’d never hurt her physically.However, emotionally, it was another matter.Yeah, this was a situation she needed to contemplate.
Maia forced herself to frown at him and thought she did a pretty good job of acting puzzled.
Henry grunted and jumped to his feet.“You should try to sleep.”
“I’ll feel better after a shower.”
“You’re as weak as that little white puppy,” Henry said.“The last thing you need is a fall.You might miss the entire rugby season if you knock your head again.”
That truth gave her pause.“A quick shower,” she said because she felt grubby.The blood, grass stains, and perspiration made her skin itch.“I’ll leave the door open and promise to call if I can no longer stand.”
“That is not giving me confidence.”
Maia thought for a moment.“What if I use a chair and sit in the shower?I have a plastic chair in the kitchen.”
“That at least sounds sensible.Stay there while I organize it.”
Maia held back her amusement until he left the room.She’d think she’d ruffled his feathers if she didn’t know better.The man was back in mere minutes, slinking like a soldier.
“Don’t think I didn’t see your triumphant smile.I’m only agreeing because you’re acting stubborn.The quicker you shower, the faster we’ll sleep.”
“I don’t have another bed.”The second the words left her mouth, she castigated herself.Way to go, Maia.Can you be any more obvious?
“Don’t worry about me.You’re the one who requires sleep.”He carried the chair into the bathroom and returned.“Everything is ready.A brief shower.Do you have fresh clothes?”
Maia gaped at him.“You’re not my father.”
“I’m your keeper,” he snapped.“I’ll be in the kitchen.Holler if you need me.”Henry stomped out of the bedroom, and she stared after him.
“Wow.”This man’s temper was all over the place.
“You’re not moving,” he called.
