by Kacey Shea
“Don’t.” Charlie’s hands come up to halt my next words. “I don’t want to know. I’m gonna pretend you didn’t say that.”
“And that you didn’t find us hiding in the closet.” I smile, attempting to lighten the mood.
“Just don’t get me in trouble.” Charlie exhales.
“So, I’m gonna head out,” Tyler says, his discomfort clear. He picks his way out of the crowded closet, careful not to knock over the mop and bucket blocking his way. He passes Charlie, but then turns back. “Come get me if you have questions about the new formula.”
“Cool.” I shove my hands into my pockets and rock back on my heels. “Thanks again, Tyler. Don’t forget about the names.”
“Yeah.” He moves to leave, but I catch a glimpse of his smile before he turns away.
“So, that was weird.” Charlie leans into the door jam. “Alicia’s looking for you, by the way.”
“She is?” I don’t know how she knows I’m here.
“Yeah.” Charlie’s brows lift, their gaze darting down the hall. “And you didn’t hear it from me but she’s in one hell of a mood. Just thought I should warn you.”
That fact captures my interest. “Do you know why?” I’m eager for any insight into the woman who continues to capture my interest.
“The shower at our place has been broken so we don’t have a working bathroom. I don’t think she’s too keen on using the facilities here.”
“Really.” My jaw hangs open, more annoyed she refused to stay at my place last night. Damn, she must really not like me.
“Yeah, plus the part they need to repair it is gonna take at least a week. It’s bad enough that eight of us share a bathroom, but to not have a working bathroom?” Charlie almost laughs. “I think it’s pushing most of my roommates over the edge.”
“Thanks for the tip.” I start to make my way out of the closet, but pause when I catch Charlie staring. “And there really are kittens in here.”
Charlie’s head shakes. “Don’t want to know. Just need a stack of paper towels.”
I reach behind and pull them from the shelf, then toss them over.
“Thanks.”
“No problem.” I flip off the light switch on my way out, and gently close the door. “Thanks for the hot tip. Is Alicia in her office?”
Charlie smirks, taking a few steps in the opposite direction. “Probably. Last I saw she was in there working up the nerve to brave the public showers.”
32
Alicia
Today is not going the way I planned.
First, Tom tells me the shower at the house won’t be fixed for at least a week.
Then, on my walk to my favorite coffee spot, I find a dead cat on the side of the road, just inside our parking lot to the community center. The mangled and bloody fur sours my stomach.
It can’t be a good omen. Also, it broke my heart.
Now I’m back in my office, applying deodorant and dry shampoo like I’m on some remote island location, all while staring at my meager checking account balance as I surf vacation rentals. Because yes, I am that woman. The one who is ten seconds from trading her total net worth for the promise of a private bath and shower.
A rap at the open door pulls my attention from my computer screen.
Chase leans into the frame, his lips pulling into a smug grin. “So, I heard a humor.”
“Do I want to know?” I roll my eyes, afraid of the possibilities. I assume it’s something to do with my teens, but unless they’re getting into trouble here at the center, it’s probably best for everyone if I remain clueless.
“Oh, you’re already informed.” He raises his brows, arms crossing over his chest, almost as if he’s waiting for me to spill.
“What?” I practically bark, not in the mood for guessing games. I’m exhausted and quite frankly in a pissy mood.
“You look like someone in need of a nice hot, long shower.” He attempts to hide his amusement, but his body shakes with silent laughter.
I might actually growl at him. It catches us both off-guard.
His hands lift in defeat. “I’m not here to rub it in.”
“Right. Sure.” I exhale and lean back into my chair, picking up my now lukewarm coffee for a sip.
“I have a solution.” His laughter fades and his eyes narrow. “Move in with me.”
“What?” I practically choke on my coffee. I manage to swallow without spewing it everywhere, and bolt upright in my seat. “No!”
“Why?” He shakes his head, looking at me as if I’m the crazy one. “You’ve seen the house. There are three bathrooms I haven’t used once since moving in. Stay with me. Don’t be stubborn about this.”
“But what am I going to tell everyone?”
His brow scrunches, confusion clear, but soon it fades to understanding. “You mean Callie and Jill?”
That’s exactly who I’m thinking of, but the way his shoulders fall makes my thoughts feel petty and mean. It’s clear that he’s done so much work, he hardly resembles the man we all knew in Richmond. Am I really going to turn down my own bathroom and bedroom, all because of what someone else might think?
I exhale, my shoulders sagging in relief. “You’re right. I am being stubborn. Plus, I feel so gross right now.”
He opens his mouth to say something but I cut him off before he retracts his offer.
“Thank you. I would very much like to stay at your beach house.”
His lips tilt with the hint of a smile. “Okay, then.” He nods, his eyes raking up and down my body as if I don’t stink. As if I’m something he might want to eat for dessert.
A thrill shoots down my spine at his perusal. Fuck. I might regret this decision. I hope I didn’t just make a colossal mistake.
“I’ll see you after work, then. Maybe I can catch a ride?”
My brain conjures up memories, or maybe they’re fantasies, of my thighs straddling his. “What?” My body heats. My legs squeeze together. I don’t hate the idea.
“You’re not really gonna make me walk?” He laughs, shaking his head as if he has no clue the thoughts he just inspired. For that I should be thankful.
“Right.” I roll my eyes and exhale a forced laugh of my own. “I guess it’s a fair trade. I should be done about six. Hopefully, that’s not too late.”
“It’s fine. Take as long as you need.” He shrugs as if he really doesn’t mind waiting around for me to finish. “And let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
My gaze travels down his body. I could use some help relieving this built-up sexual tension! But I don’t say that. Instead, I beg my libido to calm the fuck down, and flash him a smile. “Nope. We’re all good.”
He lingers at the door, as if there’s something else. “Sorry, it’s just Charlie said you were looking for me.”
“Oh.” I shake off my ridiculous thoughts. “Yeah, sorry, I really hate to ask you this, but I was hoping you wouldn’t mind.” I bite my lower lip and wince, hating that I even have to ask. “If you don’t want to, or don’t feel comfortable, I’d understand.”
“What is it, Alicia?”
“A cat.” I blurt, then clarify as his brows shoot up with alarm. “It’s dead. Sorry, this is horrible to even ask. It probably got struck by a car and I just noticed it this morning. By the rear exit to the parking lot, just along the road.”
He appears sick and I immediately regret asking.
“I’ll call someone from the county. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“No.” He swallows hard, but his skin pales. “It’s fine. I’ll take care of it.”
“You sure?” God, the last thing I want to do is trigger him with extra stress. He’s still so new in his sobriety. What was I thinking? “You really don’t have to.”
“I’ve got it,” he says, meeting my stare. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.”
A feeling, powerful and unfamiliar, stirs in my chest at the sincerity of his words. I’m frozen in place by his intense st
are. It’s as if there’s an invisible thread tying us together and tightening, pulling me closer with each passing second. It’s unlike anything I’ve experienced before. I don’t know how to respond or what to say.
Chase turns and walks away before I have to. But instead of being left with relief, I’m more confused than ever. I can’t possibly harbor real feelings for this man. It would be absurd. It’s impossible. Yet that doesn’t quite feel true.
I make it through the rest of the day, tackling each task on my to-do list as if somehow it’ll speed up time. My teenagers are more engaged than usual in our afternoon wrap-up. No one asks dumb questions or argues with their assignments for the next day. Maybe they sense today is not the day to fuck with me. It’s possible I smell. Honestly, knowing I’ll have a private hot shower at the end of this shift brightens my mood. I already have a duffle bag packed with my toiletries and clothes, so as soon as I wrap up work for the day, I’m good to go.
Chase is waiting for me in the lobby, much like yesterday but without the storm outside. At my approach, he picks up his backpack and shoe box, then pushes to his feet. “Hey.”
“You ready?” I ask, pulling my keys from my bag.
“Yep.” He steps ahead to grab the door even though his hands are full. “You finished up early.”
“Luckily, today wasn’t too crazy. I wrapped up as soon as I could.” We walk to my car and I unlock the doors with my remote. I open the back door and toss my duffle inside, then get behind the wheel. “And I might have worked through my lunch because that’s how motivated I am to get a hot shower.” I turn the key in the ignition and shift into drive. “Hope you didn’t wait too long.”
He chuckles, buckling his seat belt and stretching out his legs. “Thought you might make me walk.”
“What?” I act put out, but then end up laughing because not so long ago I might have done so. “Well, it’s a fair trade. Transportation in exchange for room and board.”
“I think you might be getting the better deal in that bargain,” he teases.
It’s true though. “I know!” I reach for the cord connected to my console and hand the end to him. “You also get DJ rights.”
“Now, that’s what I’m talking about.” Chase grins and plugs in his phone, filling the space with indie rock. It’s not what I expect him to pick, though I’ve never given his music preferences much thought.
We’re silent for the rest of the ride. I turn up the volume, actually digging the sound of this band I’ve never heard before. It’s not until I pull into the drive that I realize we’ve made no plans for dinner.
“Crap,” I say, shifting my car into park. “I need to eat.”
“All humans do.” Chase chuckles, disconnecting his phone and opening the passenger door.
“Want anything from Taco Spot?”
“No.” He shakes his head. “And neither do you. Come on. I’m cooking.”
“You’re . . .” I don’t move from my seat. He’s going to cook for me and give me a place to stay. Who is this man?
“I promise, I’m a good cook.” He flashes a grin and waves for me to get out of the car. “Go pick your room, take a shower, and I’ll have food on the table when you’re done.”
“Bless you.” I exhale dramatically, and climb out the vehicle to grab my bag.
Chase leads the way up the drive, pauses to get the mail, and opens the front door, same as last night only this time I’ve already had the tour and am moving in. He opens a door and sets his stuff inside before heading to the kitchen.
“Do you care which room I take?” I jut my thumb toward the staircase. “Any off limits?”
“Help yourself to whatever one you want.”
“Oh?” I grin. “What about top floor?”
His gaze lifts to mine and presses his lips together. “I mean you can, but if you sleep in my bed, I’m sleeping there too.”
That doesn’t sound nearly as repulsive as it should. “I guess I’ll claim something on the second floor, then.” I roll my eyes and turn on my heel. His laughter follows me up the stairs.
I poke my head into the different rooms—there are four with beds—and settle on one with cream walls and sea blue accents. The décor is serene and my shoulders sag in relief knowing I get to call this place home for at least the next week.
The bathroom across the hall isn’t as awesome as the one upstairs, but it’s still way better than any alternative. In the shower, I crank the hot water as hot as I can stand it, washing away the filth of the last few days. Steam fills the room and my body relaxes under the pressure of the spray as I wash my hair and shave my legs.
By the time I emerge, my entire body is relaxed and my mind is clear. I lotion up and dress in comfortable sweats and a tee. Not having to rush is so luxurious, I feel better than after a trip to the spa. When I head back into my bedroom, the soft comforter and fluffy pillows practically call my name. Fuck, I’m never gonna want to leave. I could crawl into bed right now and pass out for the night, but the aroma of something delicious pulls me down the stairs.
“Hey.” Chase’s gaze lifts from the pots on the stovetop. His gaze skims over my body, his approval clear in his chocolate brown eyes.
“Smells good.” I step closer, averting my gaze to the meal he made.
“I hope you’re hungry.” He scoops veggies and chicken onto a plate, then hands it to me. “Eat up.”
“Thanks.” I brush back the strand of hair that’s fallen in my face and walk to the table where Chase has set two places. He joins me and we dig in without any awkwardness. Dinner is amazing. He really is a good cook. We chat about the center, some of the other volunteers, and my teen group. It’s all so normal, as though we’ve done this a dozen times before. Always been friends. It strikes me that’s exactly what I want. “Hey, Chase?”
“Yeah?” He sets his fork down and meets my stare.
“Since I’m staying here and we’re both recovering addicts, can we make a deal?” I need to lay out my expectations for our friendship if I’m going to let him in. “I don’t want to do anything that’ll mess up my sobriety. Or yours. So there’s something I need you to promise.”
“Shoot.”
“We communicate. Even when it’s hard. Even if it hurts.”
“Speak the truth?” His brows scrunch and his focus drifts across the room. A long minute passes before he meets my gaze. “I can manage that.”
I exhale a little of the stress sitting on my shoulders. “Good.”
“There’s just one thing,” he says, worrying his hands together as if he’s nervous.
“Okay.” What does he need to say? He’s not going to ask me about that night?
“Just promise me you won’t be mad. Or that you won’t punish Tyler, or Charlie, because it was all my idea. I claim full responsibility.”
“What?” I shake my head, totally lost.
“It’s probably easier if I show you. Stay here. I’ll be right back.”
33
Chase
“You’ve been hiding kittens?” she asks incredulously. “At the center.”
“Well, yeah. Just until they’re big enough to find them homes.”
“Kittens?” She laughs, shaking her head. “This is not what I expected you to say.”
“No?” I laugh, filled with relief that she doesn’t appear mad. “I was sure you were onto us.”
“Us? Wait. Who else knows?”
I wince. “Tyler. And Charlie. Bailey too. Fuck, probably all the teens at this point.”
“Chase,” she practically growls.
“I didn’t know what else to do!” I wrap one of the babes in a towel to start our nightly feeding process.
Her glare softens at the little tyke in my hands. “Oh, my God. They’re so tiny.” She peers closer, watching me stick the little bottle into its mouth. “You feed them too?”
It’s clear these cuties are my ticket to forgiveness.
“You wanna help?”
“Um, yeah.”
She pulls her hair back and twists it atop her head in a bun. “Can I?”
“Here.” I hand over the little guy. “You can feed Brownie.”
“Brownie?”
“Oh, yeah. I don’t really get the reference either. I think they might’ve named him after an edible.” I explain how to hold the little guy, then move to the sink to measure out the formula mix and fill the bottles with water, shaking it up before handing one over to Alicia. “I put Tyler in charge of names, but I think he pretty much let Bailey have her say.” I point and recite their names. “That’s Milo, Lionel, DJ and Paws.”
“Aww,” she coos. “Tyler’s a good kid. He’s so into Bailey.”
“Right? I think everyone knows it but her.”
Alicia smirks. “Oh, she knows.”
“You think? She doesn’t act like it. I think she’s just got a soft spot for animals.” I pick up Milo, wipe him down a little and assess him for any problems before feeding him. “Besides, if she knew she wouldn’t be encouraging the attention.”
“She knows. Trust me. Not that she’ll let him know, because then things would get awkward.”
I think we’re still talking about Bailey and Tyler, but by the coy smiles Alicia keeps flashing my way, I’m suddenly confused. And a little hopeful. “Because she’s into someone else?”
“Nah.” She shakes her head and resituates the kitten, cooing to him in the process. “She’s not sure who she likes more. Can’t decide whether it’s more important to please everyone else or go for something she wants, even if it’s someone her friends wouldn’t approve of or understand.”
“Oh, yeah?” I swallow, my pulse thudding in my chest. Is she speaking about us? Has she caught me checking her out these last few weeks? Surely, she doesn’t return the attraction. Fuck. Does Alicia want me? Is she waiting for me to wake up and notice? Should I make a move?
