by Ava Miles
“Ummm,” she drawled out, turning in his arms.
He winced as she jostled his casted arm, squashing the desire. Pain did that, he’d discovered. But then she started, like she’d come completely awake. Her head popped up, and she met his eyes.
“Morning,” he said in a deep voice.
“Oh, good Lord,” she said in a raspy voice. “Did I fall asleep?”
“We both did,” he answered, using his good hand to smooth back the fuzzy hair from her forehead. “You’re adorable in the morning.”
She leveled him a look that could have been used as a new defensive weapon in the war on terrorism. “Words to make a woman feel just super.”
Easing off his chest, she looked down as if to ensure she hadn’t squashed Barney.
“He’s off doing his morning beauty routine,” he told her.
She slid carefully off his lap, and he rolled his neck to the right to stretch the tense muscles there. Lifting his right leg carefully, he rested his cast on the coffee table.
“Oh God,” she said. “You stayed like that all night? How do you feel?”
Telling her he felt like shit physically wouldn’t be kind. “I feel much calmer,” he said instead.
“Good,” she said, hopping off the couch.
She wove in place a little, and he lurched forward to steady her.
“I’m so not a morning person.”
He smiled. “Lucky for you I am.”
Her hair was standing up in fuzzy tufts. There were dark circles under her green eyes. And she had cat hair across her middle.
She’d never looked more beautiful to him.
“Let’s elevate your leg,” she said, grabbing a pillow and helping him rest his cast on top of it. “What about your arm?”
He didn’t feel it anymore. “It’s numb.”
“That doesn’t sound good. Let’s get you comfortable and hope it subsides.”
She eased a pillow under his arm cast, being gentle. He shifted to make himself more comfortable. Tingling sensations started to zip across his injured arm. Shit. He bit his lip to keep from crying out.
“I’m so sorry,” Moira said, worrying her lip.
“Don’t worry. It’s fine.”
“Bullshit,” she said. “You’re ready to howl.”
Dammit if she wasn’t right. “I am not.”
“What did Andy prescribe for inflammation?” she asked. “I’m making you an egg and then giving you the pill.”
Yes, she was definitely more intimidating than his nurse. “I don’t need an egg.” The pain was making him nauseous, and the thought of runny eggs didn’t set well.
“You’re having an egg,” she said, marching off to the kitchen.
He considered the definition of a lost cause as his casted arm shot painful tingles through him. Dammit, why did limbs hurt so much when they fell asleep? He breathed through it, listening with half an ear to Moira banging around in the kitchen.
When Barney ran out of the room and jumped into his lap, he curled his good hand around the kitten. “She’s in a state, isn’t she?”
The kitten answered by settling against his belly and purring like a champion.
Minutes later, Moira brought out a wooden tray he hadn’t seen filled with an egg, orange juice, and a white pill. “This had better be gone by the time I come back.”
After she slipped back into the kitchen, he gazed at Barney, who had raised his head. “How can one woman be both scary and nice?”
The kitten’s response was to hide its head with its paws.
The commotion continued from the kitchen as he choked down the egg. Then he popped the pill in his mouth and washed it down with the last of his juice.
Moira strode out, her hair swirling around her head like Medusa’s snakes. “Good, you ate everything. I have to go home and clean up before going to work. Do you want to stay on the couch or go to bed? I can help you into the scooter if you want to head to your bedroom.”
Her laser-like focus was captivating. It was one of the first things he’d noticed about her after interviewing her for the Artemis job. “I’m good here.” He’d be way too tempted to grab her and pull her into that king bed with him otherwise. “Head on home.”
She marched over to him and studied him. “You look like shit. Get some rest and text me later. I…take care of yourself.” Leaning down, she gave him a swift kiss on the mouth.
He could feel her discomfort now. “You too.”
Looking over her shoulder, she said, “We forgot the food last night.”
“Don’t worry about it,” he said, stroking Barney’s soft fur. “What happened in lieu of dinner was a hell of a lot more important.”
A pink blush appeared on her cheeks. Was she embarrassed at how much closer they’d gotten? Last night, he’d fought it. This morning, it seemed like she was feeling uncomfortable.
“Make up with Bonnie,” she told him. “No one has a bigger heart.”
Indeed. She’d marooned her kitten over here just to make him feel better. “Will do. Are you coming tonight?”
“Do you want me to?” she asked simply.
He felt a slow smile spread across his mouth. “There’s nothing I want more, Moira.”
After last night, he was as sure of her as he’d been of Evan’s first invention. There was no going back for him, he realized, even if he didn’t know what that meant.
“I’ll be here,” she said. “Anything strike your fancy for dinner?”
Other than you? “You tell me, and I’ll smoke it.”
“You choose. I’m not picky.” She looked at her watch. “I need to go.”
She seemed antsy, ready to jump out of her own skin. But he couldn’t let her leave without showing her how much last night had meant to him.
“Give me a kiss before you take off.”
Her face blanched with shock. “Oh, of course.”
She crossed warily to him and leaned over. He yanked her to him, causing Barney to meow at the intrusion. Her mouth was warm and soft, and he showed her how much he was already missing her. When he was finished, she stood, panting.
“Well,” she rasped out. “Have a good day.”
“You too,” he said. Suddenly, inexplicably, he had the desire to find an endearment for her. That was totally weird.
What was happening to him?
“Chase,” she said, turning at the door.
“Moira, get your coat on,” he told her.
She looked down. “Right. I forgot.”
After tugging on her winter gear, she faced him again. “Okay, I’m out of here. Text if you need anything.”
Everything he was and knew had been in turmoil after his session with Ally yesterday, but something was different this morning. He realized with a jolt that this was happiness.
“I will,” he said, wishing he could march over to her and kiss her senseless. “Have a great day, beautiful.” There, he’d found one.
A quick smile flashed on her face, tugging at his heart, and then she was gone.
This time he didn’t feel so alone.
Chapter 19
Moira was feeling more than a little wonky by the time she arrived home to change. She hadn’t expected Chase to open his heart to her. When a strong man like him shared his hurts, it was a big deal. Colossal, really.
Her hands were shaking in the shower, and her body was cold despite the warm water. She cranked the temp up and cradled her head against the white tiles.
She’d fallen for him. In the scope of one night, he’d managed to find his way into her heart. Something no other man had truly accomplished. What was she supposed to do about that? He would be leaving soon once his body mended. He’d always been very clear about that.
Maybe they should stop things before she fell any harder, before she said something stupid like I’m falling in love with you. Better yet, before they made love, because she knew it would only deepen her feelings for him. How could it not?
By the time she arri
ved in the office, she was in control.
Or so she thought until she spilled her extra-large coffee mug all over her desk when Gary poked his head in her open door and said, “Hey, Moira.”
“Shit,” she uttered, watching the brown liquid soak the papers on her desk. Grabbing the box of tissues she always kept for human resources emergencies, she started wiping up the mess.
Gary had disappeared. Terrific.
“I’ve got paper towels,” he cried, running back into her office moments later.
She jumped. Okay, she’d underestimated him. He lacked social skills, sure, but he had plenty of heart.
“You all right?” he asked. “Looks like you got up on the wrong side of the bed.”
Most people knew not to say things like that, but she’d give Gary a pass. “I’m fine.”
“Doesn’t look like it from here,” he said, eyeing her upper body. “You have your shirt on backwards.”
She looked down in disbelief. “Shit. Oh, sorry.”
“I’ll just take these wet towels out of here for you,” he said, picking them up efficiently. “You can…readjust. I’ll get you more coffee. You’ll be back to your old self in no time.”
By ten o’clock, she’d broken a nail and knocked her shinbone on the edge of her desk. When she almost started to cry in response, she came to the conclusion that she was a wreck.
She needed to take a break. Treat herself to a really good coffee. That meant taking a quick drive to The Grand Mountain Hotel and asking Chef T to make her a cappuccino. Maybe Natalie would be free, and she could get a hug from her sis. She could use some TLC.
Gary was hovering outside her office. It wouldn’t have surprised her if he’d stashed the office first-aid kit nearby in case she cut herself and started bleeding.
“I’m going out for a serious coffee,” she told him. “Text me if you need anything. Can I pick you up something? A sandwich?”
He lifted his shoulder. “I’m on a budget, but thanks for asking.”
“Oh, for heavens sake, Gary,” she said. “It’s my treat.”
“I couldn’t…”
“How about it’s Artemis’ treat then? You can walk me through the new catering app you set up for the party.”
His eyes lit up. “Really? A sandwich would be great. I mean, if it’s a business expense and all.”
“You have the sandwich menu at The Grand, right? Text me your order. I’ll bring it back.” She could probably use some food too, she realized. Breakfast hadn’t been on her radar this morning. Her focus had been on getting Chase fed fast so he could take his pill to stop the pain.
“That’s great! Thanks, Moira. If it weren’t weird, I would hug you.”
She studied his eager expression. “Yeah, that would be a little weird.”
“It’s not that you’re not pretty and all,” he rushed to say. “But you’re my boss and like my older sister.”
It was all she could do not to laugh. “You’re right. It isn’t professional to hug, and for future reference, it’s not professional to call your boss ‘pretty.’ Despite how nicely you meant it.”
“Oh, shit, I—”
“I know,” she said, holding up her hand. “I was only telling you since you’ll be getting a job in the professional world soon.”
“Right! Evan said most inventors suck at people-to-people interactions. Good thing we have you around to call us on our shit.” He made a sign over his heart. “I promise to never call you pretty again.”
She fought the urge to smile. “I’m glad we’re clear.”
“Thanks for not holding it against me, Moira,” he said, punching her in the shoulder. “You’re a pal.”
Oh, good Lord. “Let’s add friendly punches and calling your boss ‘pal’ to the no-go list. Just say, ‘thank you.’”
He pressed his hands to his chest and said, “Thank you. With you around, I know I’m going to either get into Artemis or find a kick-ass job.”
Gary still wasn’t certain which path he would choose if he was accepted. He had school loans, he said, so the prospect of finding an immediate position in his field was attractive. “You know I’ll help in any way I’m able.”
“Awesome! Thanks. You go get your special coffee and my lunch.”
That kinda came out wrong, but with Gary, things often did. “Will do. Hold the fort down.”
He saluted her again, and she shook her head as she walked out. He still had a long way to go before he’d be ready for the professional world. But they’d get him there, one way or another. He really was a good kid.
When she arrived at the hotel and walked into High Stakes, Chef T’s restaurant, she nodded to the hostess. “Is Chef T in the back?”
“Yes, prepping for the lunch crowd,” she said. “You know the way.”
She made her way to the revolving door to the kitchen and sucked in a deep breath of the savory air as she walked into the magic and madness. Two sous chefs were arguing about using shrimp heads for a stock while another chef was prepping a long black silky strip that looked like eel. Yuck. She trusted Chef T, but there was no way she was choking down eel.
“Moira!” Chef T called out. “You here for Chase’s meat? I thought we were delivering it.”
Chase’s meat? Her brain shot to dirty places. Down, girl. “No, I’m here for one of your cappuccinos. I need a serious hit. I’m also going to order a couple sandwiches for me and Gary.”
He kissed her cheek. “You got it. What do you want in the sandwich depot?”
She checked her phone. “Gary wants your Full Italian with provolone. I want balsamic chicken with spinach.”
“You got it,” he said, his eyes scanning the kitchen. “Is the cappuccino for here or to go?”
“Is Natalie free? I might pop up and say hi.”
His eyes narrowed. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Don’t kid a kidder. You come here during the work day for a cappuccino, and now you’re asking about your sister. I know what that means.”
“I had a night.” And a morning.
“Do I need to beat someone up?” He flexed his impressive biceps, and his griffin tattoos looked ready to take flight.
“No, I’m good.”
“Go see Natalie. I’ll send up your cappuccino.”
She kissed his cheek again, grateful for his kindness…and his offer to punch someone for her. “Thanks, Chef T.”
“I’ve got your back,” he said.
Her heart felt easier as she walked out of the kitchen. She was okay. She wasn’t a wreck. People fell in love all the time—why should she treat it like it was the end of the world?
Mac Maven, the owner of The Grand Mountain, was leaving his office as she passed it on the way to Natalie’s.
“Moira,” he said, kissing her cheek. “What a pleasant surprise. Do you have a meeting with Natalie about Chase’s needs?”
Her mind went to the gutter again. What was it about the service industry and their euphemisms? “No, just picking up some food. How’s hotel management these days?”
“Pretty spectacular, especially since your boss is bringing in some A-listers for the Artemis fundraiser. We’re excited.”
“We’re happy there’s a hotel like yours to accommodate the guests,” she said. “And the fundraiser.” The decision had been an obvious one. They were asking attendees to pay a lot of money to come to the dinner—the food and the venue needed to live up.
“I have a meeting I need to get to,” he said, checking his watch. “See you later.”
Moments later, she knocked on Natalie’s door. “Hey! You available?”
Her sister looked disoriented when she raised her head. “Hey! I’m in spreadsheet hell. What are you doing here?”
The best course seemed to be to shut the door behind her. “I needed a hug.”
Natalie jumped out of her chair, frowning, and came toward her. “What happened?”
Moira put her arms around her. “I…oh shi
t…I don’t know where to start. I’m…falling for Chase.”
Her sister’s head jerked back. “Chase Parker?”
“Yes,” she said, irritated by how pathetic she sounded. “Oh, I shouldn’t have come.”
When she took a step toward the door, her sister immediately stepped in front of her. “Don’t act like that. I was momentarily shocked. Come sit down.”
She let her sister drag her over to her meeting table by the window showcasing the mountains surrounding Dare Valley. “I can’t stay long. Plus, you’re working.”
Natalie pushed her into a chair. “Oh, shut up. Talk to me. You’re upset.”
She landed hard on her bottom and rubbed it. “Maybe TLC is beyond you.” Maybe that was why she’d come to Natalie. She wanted it straight.
Her sister gave her a look. “Spill.”
“I…Chase and I agreed we were attracted to each other, and we decided to spend time together while he was here…which might have been stupid…given how I feel now. But it’s been a really nice few days. And then yesterday, he told me things…really personal things.” Could she be more vague or pathetic?
Natalie grabbed her hand and squeezed it hard. “Breathe. Then start from the beginning.”
“I don’t know that I should say.” Chase was a private man, and she wanted to honor that.
“I swear I won’t tell a soul,” Natalie said. “You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t need to share it.”
Because she trusted her sister, she told the story from start to finish. “I remembered how withdrawn you became after Kim died, so when Chase tried to cancel on me…it made me feel the same way. I wasn’t going to let him shut me out.”
“Good for you.” Her sister’s face crumbled, and she wrapped her arms around her chest. “And just so we’re clear, I’m not shutting you or anyone else out ever again.”
Moira gripped her sister’s arms. “This is crazy. I haven’t known Chase very long. I shouldn’t feel like this.”
“Love doesn’t need time to make it right,” Natalie said. “I knew how I felt about Blake the first time I met him. I put him in the friend zone at first, but it was only because I didn’t trust myself or him. I wasted six months. I don’t recommend it.”
