Nerds on Fire

by Grady, D. R.

  Finally, they had everything in her SUV, Mark’s car, and Leo’s vehicle before they headed back to her house. It took less time to unload the vehicles. Now it was a case of figuring out which boxes went to which room.

  “Leave my study things. I’ll unpack those over the next week or so.” Mark indicated the jumble of boxes with his chin since his arms were full of furniture.

  They carried boxes into his bedroom, study, and a few into the bathroom. He had his own coffee maker, so he set it up in the small kitchenette off the sitting room. An area he hadn’t noticed, but instantly liked if she interpreted his comments correctly.

  “This house is perfect.” He happily unpacked with rapid-fire precision.

  The idea of this man in her house had grown on her. Now she couldn’t imagine him anywhere else, despite her continuing doubts and fears. She wondered if it was because for the first time since her father left, she finally felt safe.

  Chapter 20

  “What’s for dinner?” Leo’s stomach growled for the third time in twenty minutes.

  “I can pop a pizza in the oven.” Trixi finished unpacking Mark’s kitchen boxes after he sorted through what he wanted in his little kitchenette and what was to go to the main kitchen.

  “Why don’t we order in?” Mark suggested.

  “You don’t want to eat my cooking?” She kept a teasing note in her voice, which hopefully managed to hide the hurt.

  He stroked a finger down her nose. “I’ve enjoyed your cooking today and want to give you a break.”

  An effervescent warmth spread through her as his finger caressed her cheek. It was a nice feeling. Her cheeks heated.

  “He’s right, Trix, you could use a few days off from cooking.” Katy sided with Trixi’s new roommate.

  Gran nodded. “Yes, she could.”

  Leo called in the order while they continued to help Mark unpack. Katy and Leo unpacked the boxes for his study and set out the contents so he could see what he had. There were boxes of all types of books and periodicals scattered across most of the surfaces.

  In the span of one afternoon, Mark moved into her house. He seemed very satisfied with the arrangement. Gran also seemed pleased, while Katy and Leo kept making happy remarks. She was the only one with reservations and those still had everything to do with sharing her space with a man who wasn’t family.

  He would see everything there was to see about her habits and this seemed so... intimate. Did she really want the man to experience her before that all important first cup of coffee? Did he need to see her incoherence until her brain woke up?

  What about how sweaty she got while working out? Wouldn’t those things steal the magic?

  She frowned. What magic? He didn’t think of her that way, so fretting was ridiculous.

  The man had moved in, he was settled now, and there was no going back. He had a front row seat to see her in all her lack of glory, whether she protested or not.

  The doorbell resounded in impressive chimes through the house. Leo perked up. “Pizza’s here.” He hurried down the hall.

  Katy wasn’t far behind him.

  “They have no idea they’re dating, do they?” Gran asked.

  Mark laughed. “Not a clue.” He sounded cheerful.

  Trixi dug out plates. “We’ve been enjoying the show.”

  “He’s perfect for her.” Gran’s nod was satisfied.

  “We agree.” Trixi darted a quick smile at Mark.

  He nodded and their shared amusement sent warmth surging through her.

  “I’m glad there’s a lot of this going around.” Her grandmother sent a knowing look to Trixi and left her blinking.

  What?

  Before she could comment, Leo and Katy returned with the pizza. They were in high spirits, and their enthusiasm rubbed off on the rest of them. The pizza didn’t take long to disappear. It was surprising after their big meal at lunch, but they had worked hard this afternoon. Normally Trixi wouldn’t have agreed to move someone on a Sunday, but these were extenuating circumstances.

  Namely, she and Gran might actually get sleep now.

  Mark had a place to call home. Katy could return to her own neglected house. And Leo would get his one working bathroom to himself again. Everyone benefited.

  “You’re leaving?” Trixi cornered Katy later.

  “Yes. I should unpack and then figure out what I need for tomorrow morning.”

  Katy curled her hand around Leo’s arm as she tried to tuck her foot into her boot. The process wasn’t successful.

  “Why isn’t this working?” Katy growled in frustration as she continued to struggle with the boot.

  “I don’t know.” Trixi steadied Katy when she wobbled.

  Leo scooped Katy up and set her on the bench in the mudroom. Her foot finally slid in and he zipped the boot with ease. The other one went on much easier than the first and when she stood, Trixi admired her friend in her fashionable high-heeled footwear.

  “Very nice.” She eyed the boots. “I wish I could borrow those.”

  “I know. I’d love to borrow your shoes as well.” Katy grinned. “It’s your fault, Trix, since you have really tiny feet.”

  Her cheeks heated. “I didn’t choose them.”

  Leo glanced at Mark after everyone surveyed her lack of stature. “She’d fit in your sock.”

  “Very funny.” Trixi’s heart raced at the idea of fitting into Mark’s life at all.

  Mark smiled at her, but by then Leo had hefted Katy’s bags and they hurried to help him. In a short amount of time, they loaded her cases in her car.

  Katy nearly squeezed the stuffing out of her. “I hate leaving you like this.”

  Trixi squeezed her back. “I know. But we’ll be fine.”

  “I’ll be right behind you.” Leo tilted Katy’s chin up with a finger.

  She nodded, her eyes glowing at him.

  The gesture was so intimate a pang pierced Trixi. She halted her thoughts.

  Gran hugged Katy while Mark patted her on the head. She swiped at him but Leo tucked her into her car and reminded her of his plan to follow her home. They left with toots of both horns and a swash of headlights before their vehicles disappeared down the driveway.

  Their departure left her, Gran, and Mark standing in the dark. The wind tried to rattle them and with a shiver, they hurried back inside to the warmth and light. It was comforting.

  She veered into the kitchen where she still had a few little things to do. After making certain she didn’t need any help, Mark left to finish organizing his study. She guessed he had some paperwork to catch up on if nothing else. Gran said goodnight as she entered her rooms. She would likely spend the rest of the evening on the phone with Miriam and perhaps with Trixi’s dad.

  Hmm, she wondered how his day had gone. It must have been good since he hadn’t dropped by.

  “I don’t want this evening to end.” The happiness in Nina’s eyes lit something similar in him.

  “I don’t either.” Rylan stroked a finger across her downy cheek, amazed at this woman all over again. There was something heady about her. His breath kept catching in his throat.

  “I’m glad you asked me to spend today with you.” Her statement made him smile.

  “I didn’t ask you to spend the day with me.”

  A slight frown creased her face. “You didn’t?”

  “No,” he answered with a slight shake of his head.

  “But we ended up spending the entire day, actually most of the weekend, together.”

  “Yes.” He traced the curve of her lips next. “But I never asked it of you.”

  The light of comprehension lit her lovely eyes. “It just happened?”

  “Apparently so.”

  Her laughter was throaty, delighted, and beautiful. “I can’t believe we spent the entire weekend together.”

  “I can.” His own voice sounded throaty. “You’re beautiful.”

  The laughter in her eyes died as she stared at him. There was an inn
ocence and caring there he craved. They stared at each other and then like two magnets locking together, their lips connected.

  It was the most stunning kiss he had ever experienced, perhaps because there was no coherent thought on his part. It happened because it was supposed to. The impact slammed him, through to the very soles of his feet. This woman was dynamite.

  The awe on her face made him feel like he was twenty feet tall and titanium clad. With rocket launchers.

  “You’re amazing.” His tone remained husky.

  A delicate peach flushed her cheeks. He was charmed all over again. “I think you’re the one who’s amazing.” A new illumination, perhaps affection, glowed in her eyes.

  His same wonder was reflected there. She leaned forward to kiss him a second time. This was no young girl. Nina was a mature, widowed woman with a grown son.

  Her life experiences were similar to his.

  Their second kiss robbed him of all thoughts as he enjoyed the tender pressure of her lips. The steady heat building between them surpassed anything he had ever experienced with Chrissy.

  The third kiss deepened and this time their mouths opened for a more thorough exploration. It was like kissing for the very first time. With over thirty years of practice under his belt, he still felt very much like a novice. Perhaps because this woman mattered.

  Rylan enjoyed the kiss, but pulled back at the same time as she did. Hope dawned in her eyes, and he liked it. Very much, as he felt the same way. It was inspiring to feel the same way as the person you were with, as well as amazing.

  She didn’t want things to go any further, and neither did he. It was far too soon in their relationship and he craved a deeper connection with this woman. He wanted their relationship to culminate into marriage—they could explore the physical side of their attraction then. Nina was perfect for him, his home, and his family.

  Now was not the time to mess this up.

  He stroked the flushed cheek and then leaned forward to kiss it. “You’re an amazing woman, Nina McCormick.”

  Her smile was sweetly feminine. “You’re an amazing man, Rylan Duvall.”

  Just the way she said his name spread happiness through him.

  “I’m glad you think so. Supper tomorrow night?”

  “Yes.” There was no hesitation in her answer. “I’ll cook.”

  His smile probably lit up the neighborhood.

  Chapter 21

  Waking on Monday mornings was never pleasant, not with the long week of work looming. However, this morning Trixi appreciated the benefits of a full night’s rest. It was the first morning in a long while she had taken the occurrence for granted.

  There was something to be said for having a man in the house. It didn’t hurt that he was big and smart.

  She rolled out of bed and into the bathroom. Once her morning preparations were finished, Trixi descended the stairs, enjoying the dawning rays outside the windows. It was still dark, but daylight didn’t look too far off. She mourned the loss of summer, but was starting to welcome the changes fall brought.

  In the kitchen, she headed toward the coffee pot. It was already brewing. The smell warmed the kitchen and added a homey touch she appreciated. Trixi veered to the range and removed the oatmeal she had placed in the simmering oven the night before. Peeking at it, the cinnamon and other spices wafted up and her tummy growled.

  Placing it on the island, she also noticed the set table. Movement behind her revealed she had company. Smiling, she turned to tell Mark “good morning,” and was surprised when he paused in front of her. His focus centered on her nose. She had forgotten to ask Katy what was going on.

  It was time to ask. “What are you doing?”

  “What?”

  “Why are you focused on my nose?”

  “I’m counting.”

  His answer didn’t help. Not at all. “Counting what?”

  “Your freckles.” He murmured like this was obvious and she was a little slow.

  Still none-the-wiser, she lifted an eyebrow at the same time he must have finished. He leaned back, satisfied.

  Since she couldn’t figure his odd behavior out, Trixi headed toward the coffee pot. It had just finished brewing. Perhaps this would make sense after a dose of caffeine.

  After the first sip, which she needed, she faced him again. “You count my freckles?”

  “Of course.” He helped himself to a mug of coffee and then kissed the freckles in question.

  Gran entered the room then and Trixi’s attention turned to her since she wasn’t certain what to do with Mark. Her grandmother was dressed for the day and looked like she had been up at least as long as Trixi. If not longer.

  “Good morning.” She smiled at her grandparent, hoping she didn’t look a little desperate around the edges.

  Gran hugged her. “Good morning, love.”

  “Good morning.” Mark echoed the greeting.

  “Someone started the coffee this morning.”

  “You’re welcome.” Gran retrieved a mug from the warming plate on the range.

  “Thank you.” She grinned at that lady as she carried the oatmeal to the table. “And thank you to whoever set the table.”

  “You’re welcome.” Mark found milk, juice, creamer and even the sweetener bowl.

  She sent them a bright smile, pleased they were both willing to help her. It was nice to be cared for. Her father had done little things like this, and while she missed him, it wasn’t nearly as bad because of these new roommates.

  Besides, she was thrilled for him where he was. There might even be more happiness in store for him. She needed to call him and find out how things went with his date yesterday.

  “Gran, did you talk to Dad?”

  Her grandmother frowned. “Recently you mean?”

  “Yes, as in last evening.”

  Mark seated Gran after Trixi announced breakfast. He waited until she was ready to sit and assisted her before taking his own seat. Such a gentleman.

  “I called him, but didn’t get an answer,” Gran stated after they tucked in.

  Trixi waited until after she swallowed her first bite before answering. “Hmm, that might mean good things.”

  “Yes, I thought so too.”

  “Why?” Mark stirred his oatmeal.

  “Because he doesn’t usually miss phone calls.” Gran splashed milk over her cereal.

  “It means he was more interested in his present company than the phone caller.”

  Gran chuckled. “Or he forgot to check his phone until it was too late to call me back.”

  “We’re hopeful.” Trixi beamed at their new breakfast companion, amazed at how quickly he had settled into their routine.

  “It’s always good to be hopeful,” Mark agreed. “This is really good, by the way.” He took another bite. “I’m going to really enjoy living here.”

  “I do and I had a near chef at my other house.”

  Trixi shook her head. “I’m not a chef.”

  “No, but you’re an excellent cook because you enjoy it. And you love the people you’re cooking for.”

  Gran’s statement made Trixi start. She had only just met Mark so to say she was in love with him seemed a little...

  “I’m happy with everything you make. It’s delicious and I didn’t have to cook it.” Mark’s easy response smoothed over her confusion.

  By the time breakfast was over, it seemed like Mark had always lived with them. Gran loaded the dishes into the dishwasher while she and Mark grabbed the things they needed for work.

  Driving to the hospital with Mark was unusual. It was weird to be driven to work by someone other than Katy. The two of them took turns driving, but a man had never driven her. Certainly not an attractive bachelor who was well thought of and at the top of his field.

  They created a sensation when they arrived.

  Mark didn’t appear to notice, but Trixi did. Whether it was because she was looking for the reactions of those around them or whether it was so odd, she
wasn’t certain. Normally she didn’t care what others thought.

  Maybe that wasn’t entirely true. It had more to do with she wasn’t normally awake when she arrived. This morning had been so different from any other. She was still adjusting to Gran’s presence and not having her father there.

  She needed to call him and dig for details on his date yesterday. Of course, Gran might do so while he was at work today. They were very interested in his time with Nina. Oh, Nina.

  “What’s that smile for?” Mark escorted her inside.

  “I just remembered Nina works here.”

  He frowned. “What does Nina’s place of employment have to do with your smile?”

  “Right now I can’t call and bother my dad about their date, but since Nina works here, I can find out from her.”

  “I see.” He didn’t look like he saw at all, but she didn’t mind. The man was eager to get to the brains he was planning to fix this morning. He had more important things to consider than her father’s love life.

  Katy trailed in then. She was alone.

  “How did Dad’s date go?” She sipped coffee like it was chocolate elixir.

  Trixi filched Katy’s travel mug and sipped. Mmm, it was chocolate elixir. This woman had her priorities right. “Haven’t heard anything yet.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because he didn’t answer his phone.”

  “Oh, so we can swing by Nina’s desk?” Katy sent her a knowing look.

  “Yes. Mark doesn’t understand how important this is.”

  “You don’t have time to swing by Nina’s desk.”

  Katy reclaimed her coffee mug and took a long swallow. “We have to find out about Dad’s date.”

  Trixi laughed. “I told you.” She tried to steal Katy’s chocolate nirvana again. Katy eluded her and drank more of the deliciousness.

  “You two need to take your jobs more seriously,” he groused.

  “What aren’t they taking seriously?” Leo snuck up behind them. He managed to snag Katy’s coffee and took a huge gulp.

  “I had to buy this huge mug last week because I have two coffee thieves now.” Katy’s recriminating look bounced off Trixi, and from the look of it, Leo as well since he continued to down the chocolate.