“How do you stay in such good shape?”she probed.
He grinned.“You think I’m sexy?”
She frowned and hit his arm.“I didn’t say that.”
“You don’t have to.I can tell.But to answer your question I can work out as long as I’m safe.Nothing that could result in an unexpected impact on my chest.”
Her eyes widened.“So you can’t play sports?”
“No.I never have.Too dangerous.”
Tears filled her eyes as she looked at him.He could tell in that moment that she understood.When the first tear rolled down her cheek, he reached out and cupped her face in the palm of his hand.
“Hey, I didn’t tell you that story to make you sad.”
“I know,” she whispered.“But I get it now.Here I was thinking that we are complete opposites.Yes, we have some differences but we also have a lot in common.”She closed her eyes and lowered her head to his shoulder.“Thank you for sharing your story.I will keep my word and share mine but not tonight.”She paused.“I need some time to collect my thoughts.It will be very difficult for me to talk about.”
“I can live with that,” he replied.“When you are ready, let me know.Until then, let’s watch a movie.”
“Are you sure?It’s late and I know you have to get up early.”
He nodded not wanting to give up any time with her.“Yes.I’ll be fine.That’s what coffee is for.As long as I get at least six hours I’ll be good.”
She cuddled close to him.“Okay then.What are we watching?”
He picked up the remote and found an action movie before pulling her close again.They were halfway through the movie before he realized she’d drifted off.Selfishness made him wait until the move ended to wake her.
He waited until he was sure she was alert before allowing her to get behind the wheel to drive home.Before he closed the car door, he leaned down and pressed his lips to her briefly.When he pulled back, he held her gaze with his.
“Bailey, the next time you come over.Bring a bag to stay the night.”
Her eyes widened briefly then she nodded.“Okay.”
“Be careful going home.Call me once you’re there to let me know you’ve made it,” he requested before closing the door.
He waited until her taillights were no longer in view before going back inside and locking up.Just as he’d finished brushing his teeth, his phone rang.Recognizing the ringtone he’d assigned to Bailey, he answered quickly.
“Hey, sweetheart,” he greeted.
“Hi.Just letting you know that I made it home,” she replied.
“Good.Get some rest.Pleasant dreams.”
“Goodnight,” she whispered.
He disconnected the call and stood there for a moment.Then he grinned.He didn’t know how he’d become lucky enough for this to be his life but he was grateful and didn’t plan to waste a moment of it.
