End of Story(51)

But having him in my space in any condition made me nervous, apparently.

“The only time I’ve cohabitated with a male was when I went on trips with a boyfriend,” I said. Just making conversation. “Beside my father and brother when I was little, of course. Have you ever lived with someone? Not that it’s what we’re doing. You know what I mean.”

“No.” His voice was gruffer than normal. “Things never got that serious.”

I gave him a half smile. “You mean you didn’t let them get that serious.”

“Guess not.”

“So just vacations?”

“Yeah.”

“This’ll be a learning experience for both of us,” I said. “I’ve put out fresh towels in the bathroom if you want to take a shower.”

“Thanks. Feels like I’m still covered in grit and dirt from the road.”

“I’ll change the sheets so those are fresh for you too. The waterproof cover for your cast is in the bathroom. Do you want any help in the shower with bandages or anything?”

“No,” he said quietly and kept eating.

I sipped my coffee and watched Kat butt her head against his leg. He reached down in slow motion and gave her a scratch. Seeing him in pain was horrible. He was normally so big and strong and sturdy. Why, a mountain couldn’t take the man down. And some asshole behind a wheel had almost succeeded. A terrifying thought.

“Have you taken your meds or do you want me to grab them?”

“I’ve taken them,” he said. “Think it might be best if I go home.”

I paused. “Why?”

Nothing from him.

“The doctor said you should have someone keep an eye on you.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“You got hit by a car,” I said. “Give yourself a minute. Please.”

“I don’t know.” He glared at the chicken and rice. “This feels off being here like this. I don’t want to be in your way.”

“You’re not in my way. I know this is different than what we’re used to, but it’s okay to need a little help right now. And, Lars, I would like to help you.”

His free hand curled into a fist. This was not normal Lars. This was in-pain-and-pissed-off Lars. A very different creature. “Because you think it’s your fault I was crossing that fucking street.”

“Because I care about you and want to help.”

“Susie, the shit I said at the hospital last night...”

“You remember that?”

A line appeared between his brows. “Some.”

“You were high as a kite. People say all sorts of things when they’re under the influence.”

“Yeah,” he said finally. “About me staying here. We don’t have the sort of relationship where—”

“You mean like friends?”

For a long moment, he said nothing. Then he looked up with his usual frown and took in the still cluttered dining table. I had been too worried about him after getting back from the hospital to deal with it all. Sitting in the darkened bedroom watching him sleep instead. What that said about my feelings for the man was best ignored. The napkins, candles, and silverware were still laid out. He blinked and stared as if he couldn’t make sense of the scene. “You did all of this for last night?”

“It’s not a big deal.” I shrugged. “I wanted to do something nice for you with Tore moving out. I know you said you were fine with it, but...”

He just stared at me.

I took another mouthful of brew.

“From what I remember at the hospital, you were dressed up pretty fancy for a night in, too.”

“I like to dress up. I mean... I like to look nice for you too. That’s allowed, isn’t it?”

“Sure.”

No way did I hide behind my mug. Such behavior would be childish and cowardly.

“Okay,” he said as if he’d reached some decision. Then his shoulders eased and he relaxed back into the chair. “Can I have coffee?”

I straightened. “You’re staying?”

“Yes, Susie. I’m staying.”

Tore arrived midmorning. “Hello, fellow kids!”

“About time,” grumbled Lars.

He took in his brother sitting in the armchair in my short black silk robe and grinned. “I like that look for you.”

“Go fuck yourself.”

“Why would I? That is a job my girlfriend does far better than I ever could.”

“Tore, hush,” ordered Cleo.

Despite encouraging Lars to return to bed, he insisted otherwise. Throw cushions were stuffed behind and beside him and an adoring cat sat on his lap. A baseball game played silently on the TV and kept him occupied. The side table was within easy reach with a variety of drinks and snacks, all of his medications, and the TV and AC remote controls. When his grunting turned into growling, I stopped fussing and left him alone. After enjoying the view of his muscular hairy legs beneath the short robe, of course. It was the little things that made life worthwhile.

Tore deposited the overnight bag full of Lars’s belongings beside the bedroom door. “I grabbed an assortment of stuff. Let me know if you want me to pick up anything else.”

“Thanks,” said Lars.