Around a laugh, her damp eyes forgotten, she turned to him. “You weren’t. You have rules and I’m breaking the rules. That’s not cool, I know, but I wasn’t sure what else–”
“Shh,” His warm gaze, full of understanding, captured hers, but thankfully he kept his distance.
If he’d gotten close, she might have grabbed him as tightly as Ryder had. But it wasn’t only a hug she wanted. Her body was aching for so much more.
Only with Hendrix.
Without averting his gaze, he let out a breath. “The thing is, Christmas is difficult for me.”
Arrested by that confession, Joey bit her lip and wondered how much he’d reveal. When he said nothing more, she whispered, “I kind of figured that out and I’m sorry that I’m intruding and probably making it worse.”
He looked down a moment, then back up. “Actually, it was my own attitude making it worse. I tended to focus on my dislike of Christmas and so many...” He shook his head. “I thought about shit that bugged me a lot. Terrible things that shouldn’t have happened.”
Immediately, she wondered about that. Did he divorce? Was he widowed? Something worse?
Hendrix went on. “But then you stayed and I found myself thinking about you even more. Let me tell you, focusing on you and your possible problems is a lot easier than facing my own bullshit.”
Well, she didn’t know how to feel about that. She didn’t want him “focusing on her problems.” If she was truthful with herself,she wanted him to see her as a woman, period. But that wasn’t likely in her present situation. Most people saw her only as a mother, but Hendrix would see her as a desperate, inept mother who couldn’t handle her own finances.
The idea was so unbearable, she turned away and busied herself with the dishes.
“I insulted you, didn’t I? Wasn’t my intent.” She felt him moving closer before he spoke right behind her. “I think you’re an amazing mom, and that’s why Ryder is such a terrific kid.”
She could agree on the last part. “Thank you.”
“Joey, come on.” He took her shoulders and turned her – and then he stayed close. Through her shirt, she felt the heat of his palms resting on her shoulders. “Anyone can hit a rough patch. I wasn’t judging you.”
No, he only saw her – and all her failings – in clear focus.
“Hey.” Bending his knees a little, he gave her a direct look. “Am I making it worse?”
“No. I am.” Hastily, she dried her hands. “I was all set to go over my list with you, to do what I could to convince you to let us stay, and you just...” Peering into his eyes left her breathless. “You’re incredibly wonderful, Hendrix, and if it wasn’t so improper, I’d throw myself at you like Ryder did.”
He went still, his expression alert, and suddenly sparks were snapping around them.
In a barely-there whisper, she said, “Thank you. Staying here will help a lot.”
His gaze dipped to her mouth. “I’m glad.”
They stayed like that, near enough to share body heat, each breathing a little deeper, until they heard Ryder laugh.
Abruptly, she stepped back and cleared her throat. “Problem number two, though.” Actually, problem three. Her unruly hormones were definitely going to be a problem.
“What is it?”
Wincing, she said, “I don’t have all the rent for this month.”
Hendrix opened his mouth, but she didn’t give him a chance to say anything. “I’ll pay, I swear, but with Christmas so close and Ryder home for break, I’m not able to tutor as much and–”
His finger touched her lips, quieting her. “My turn now, okay?”
Her entire body hummed from that simple touch to her mouth. Licking his finger became a very real possibility. Except that her son wasn’t that far away and she couldn’t very well put the moves on Hendrix when she was in such dire straits. He might think she was trying to use him – and she was, sort of – but not in that way.
Cautiously, he lowered his hand, but not before tracing her mouth. “It seems important for me to state upfront that this offer comes with no strings attached.”
Confused, she stared at him.
“I have no expectations beyond one person lending a hand to another. For me, that’s how the world should operate.”
