But the shrill sound of a phone ringing burst through the haze of desire swirling around them. And Andrew froze, sitting up straight and pulling out his phone.
Paige blinked and perched herself up on her elbows. “What is that?”
“It’s my mother.” He explained that he’d set his phone up to allow phone calls from his mother even when his phone was set to Do Not Disturb. He jumped up. “Mom?”
Paige fell back against the cushion and willed her body to calm down, to slow down. He hadn’t even pulled her panties off yet and she was on the verge of a delicious orgasm—just from his kisses, from his soft touches.
“Okay.” He paced the floor. “Okay, I’ll be there as soon as I can. Please, call me if something changes. I mean it.” When he ended the call, he dropped his head and let out a deep breath.
Her stomach dropped as worry replaced desire. “What’s wrong?” she asked.
Andrew glanced at her. “I have to go to Detroit.”
She scooted off the couch and went to him. Grasping his hands, she asked, “Is your mother okay?”
“She fell and broke her ankle. They have to operate. I need to go to her. I’m the closest.”
“Of course,” she said. “Go now.”
“I’m sorry.” Andrew headed to the kitchen and pulled on his shirt.
“Andrew, don’t apologize. I can pack you something to eat in the car on your way. Since we didn’t really eat lunch.”
Tracing her cheek with his thumb, he placed a gentle kiss to her mouth. “You don’t have to.”
“I want to.” She kissed his chin. “Now, go.”
He turned and took the steps two at a time until he made it to the top. Sighing, Paige hurried to make him something to eat. Andrew returned a few minutes later with his bag. He set it on the floor next to the staircase.
Glancing up at him, she gave him a small smile. “I packed a turkey sandwich, an apple, and chips.” She set his food into a thermal lunch bag she’d brought with her. “I’m also going to put a couple of bottles of water in here for you.”
He walked over to her and pulled her into a hug. “Thank you.”
Leaning back, she framed his face in her hands. “No worries. I got you.”
Andrew rested his forehead against hers. “Just so you know, nothing else would have pulled me away from you.”
Giggling, she wrapped her arms around him. “That’s good to know.” She grinned up at him. “But maybe this was a good thing. A little time, a little distance might force us to really think before we act.”
“If you say so.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “I better go.”
Paige nodded. “Call me when you get there.” She followed him to the door, handed him the lunch bag. “I put the house phone number and my iPad number in your lunch bag. Oh, and a spare key in case you want to come back.”
“Good.”
She watched him jog to his car. and waited until his car disappeared from view before she closed the door. Turning around, she slumped against the glass. In her haste to get him the things he needed, she’d failed to ask if he’d planned to come back. Because she really hoped they’d have a chance to finish what they’d started.
Chapter Nine
Andrew stood at the hospital room door. His mother was lying there so still, eyes closed. During the three-hour drive, he’d called his brothers to let them know about the accident. Neither of them knew about the fall, but both of them promised to get the next flight to Michigan.
Closing his eyes, he drew in a deep breath. He entered the room and approached the bed, paying close attention to the soft cast on her left leg. The woman in front of him had sacrificed so much for them, working long shifts, coming home with calluses and dirty nails. Yet she’d still found a way to make it to most school events and sporting activities. She’d flown in to college graduations and sent holiday care packages every year. He hoped a fall was all it was, he hoped she wasn’t hiding something more serious. Despite what she’d told him, he wondered if her fall had something to do with that limp she had when he’d visited.
His mother’s eyes fluttered open, and she smiled when she realized he was there. “Hey, Drew. When did you get here?”
He kissed her brow and gave her a gentle hug. “A few minutes ago. How are you feeling?” He studied her face. Brushing a finger over the bandage on her head, he said, “What’s this? You told me you broke your ankle.”
His mother swatted his hand and pulled back. “I fell, baby. I was trying to get something out of the closet and fell off the metal stool.” She grimaced when she shifted to sit up.
