Chapter 9 #2
I fire off a text to Mint to let him know she is being released, and I am getting her home. He asks if she needs anything and I let him know Virus and I will make sure she is comfortable and fed. “No concussion, right?”
Her head shakes. “No. And no, I don’t need you to stay with me overnight.”
Frowning, I remind myself that I have done nothing to earn her trust. The complete opposite really.
A year of running from her. Of dodging her.
Of stalking her. Of being an ass to her to create distance.
I am not likely on her list of preferred people.
I should probably offer to call Austin for her.
Nah. Fuck that guy. I am not willing to let her care go to anyone else.
Virus pulls up in Mouse’s truck, popping open the door so I can get Harry inside, he nods. “Keys in the cupholder, you can bring his truck back whenever, he is handling your car. Ah, and they said don’t worry about cleanup, they will take care of it tonight and have your car back tomorrow.”
“Thanks.”
“You want me to come over?” He eyes Harry through the closed door.
“Nah, I have her. I am just going to get her some dinner and make sure she is okay on her own. She doesn’t want anyone staying.” I frown, trying to think of ways to get it so I sleep on her couch.
He sighs. “You could use Mint… he would probably feel better if someone was…” he trails off nodding because he can see I am going to do whatever it takes to stay. He pats my shoulder. “Call if you need anything.”
“Thanks.”
I climb into the truck, taking off toward her apartment complex.
Keeping quiet, waiting for her to tell me what she needs from me, though I am not sure if silence is the right call.
She leans forward, I hear a near silent hiss come from her as she does it, she flips the radio station.
Some Blue October comes on, she leaves it there, sitting back, the hiss comes out again. It’s settled—I will be staying over.
I get her on my back and up to her apartment. When the door pops open a black blur comes racing at us, I only relax when I hear the frantic meowing. Harry coos to the cat as she sinks heavily to her knees. “Hi handsome little man, I’m home.”
I kneel down, smiling at the handsome little scamp. He does that super cute head butt and rub to Harry then comes over to me, offering the same. “What’s your name?”
She gives a little clearing of her throat. “I just brought him home two days ago, he doesn’t… he doesn’t have a name.”
“Well that just won’t do. We should come up with a name.” I grin at him as he gives a meow of agreement. I smirk. “See, he agrees.”
She gives a heavy sigh, shoving to her feet. “You are not naming my cat.”
“Until she names, you I will call you… little man.” I wink at him, lifting him up as I get to my feet. “Love, why don’t you take a shower. Then put on some comfy clothes. I can order something to be delivered for dinner when you are out. Okay?”
Her body seems to sag, her head nods. “Yeah, okay. You have Ronny-boy?”
I lift a brow at her. She rolls her eyes. “I’m testing out names.”
Lifting him higher, I look into his cute face. “Yeah, Ron and I are good.”
“Ron Ron.” She corrects and I lift my brow higher, she rolls her eyes harder, then gives a little shrug and takes off for her room.
Clearly, she has chosen a name for him.
I sack out on her couch with Ron Ron, turning the television on while I pet him absentmindedly.
When I hear the shower turn on, I look down at Ron Ron.
“One of these days you and me are going to be the best of friends. I can see we have already gotten off to a good start. I bet you can see how much I like your mom. I promise I will take good care of her.”
His eyes turn to cozy little slits, and he gives a soft quiet meow. I smile. “You’re right, we are already best friends because we both care about that mom of yours.”
Ron Ron snuggles his head down against my stomach, getting nice and comfy. I wonder if he is this friendly with everyone, I tend to have a way with animals, but this cat is fucking awesome.
When her bedroom door pulls open, she looks cute as fuck in some oversized black pajama pants adorned with skulls and a black tank under an oversized black zipper hoodie.
She shuffles toward the kitchen. I wrap Ron Ron in my arms, holding him snug against me as I get up, heading over to her. “Love, what do you need?”
Her eyes meet mine. “Just getting pain shit or something.”
“Go sit down, I will bring it to you and some water. You know what you want for dinner?” I ask her gently since she looks overcooked emotionally.
Her shoulders sag. “Uhm… food?”
I smirk. “Okay, how about I order from that Chinese place you like? Sesame beef and veggie chow mein and… uhm… kung pao chicken.”
“That sounds amazing.” Harry settles herself on the couch, her head tipping back as she seems to zone out to the television.
Bringing Ron Ron over, I settle him down beside her, then hold out a glass of water to her.
She takes it and I drop two tablets into her palm that I found in the cupboard, ibuprofen like the doctor said.
Swallowing them, she guzzles the water. I take it when it is empty, refilling it as I put our order in.
I settle on the couch next to her and Ron Ron. “Want a movie or something?”
Her head slowly shifts to look at me. “Huh?”
I shake my head. “Nothing, get comfortable, love.”
She blows out a slow breath, then sinks to her side, I help arrange her limbs and Ron Ron to curl into her stomach. Once she is settled, I take the last cushion letting my hand rest on her shin, while I watch her blink blankly at the television as some nonsense plays.
I manage to get her fed, then put her to bed, after helping her brush her teeth.
She is so out of it, and I can tell it is a combination of exhaustion and overwhelm.
I get water and more tablets ready should she wake during the night.
I stroke her hair down behind her ear for a moment as she knocks out, then I force myself away, flopping down on the couch, I get as comfortable as I can.
Ron Ron smartly sleeps with Harry. It’s a quiet night.
When the light filtering through the window drags me from sleep, I roll my body trying to get the cricks out. I make my way to her kitchen, getting coffee started, then check her fridge for something to make. I look up when I hear her door open, she pauses when she sees me. “I have coffee started.”
I smile, she looks so fucking cute with her hair all messy and her eyes still heavy with sleep. “Coffee. Yes. Good. Drugs?”
I chuckle, grabbing the tablets and glass, pouring from the pitcher in her fridge that I filled last night. “Here you go, love.”
She pats at her hair as she shuffles over, taking the pills, and drinks the whole glass. I doctor her coffee up, just how she likes, and get her settled on her couch. “Want me to make something for breakfast? You should eat with the pills in your stomach.”
She huffs. “Just some toast. I’m not super hungry.”
I make her some toast, and pet Ronny-boy while she eats in silence. When she is done, she looks over at me. “You didn’t have to stay, but… thank you.”
Dipping my chin, I offer her one of the smiles she seems to like. There is a knock at her door, I shove to my feet knowing it will be her dad. He and Roxy blow in past me, clucking over Harry. “Why didn’t you call me? How the hell did I not get a fucking call?”
Harry huffs. “Dad, I’m good. I promise.”
He looks over at me. “So good Carbon had to stay over?”
She frowns. “I didn’t ask him to.”
“That’s my fucking point. You were so bad off he felt he had to stay. Which… why the fuck didn’t you call me?” he directs the last part at me.
“Felt like it was Mint’s job… besides she kind of needed me focused to look after her.” I keep the chuckle at bay that wants to pop out with the glower Harry throws my way.
Hanger nods. “Yeah, yeah. You’re right. That kid of mine should have fucking said. You were doing right keeping an eye. I’m here now. I can look after her.”
He shoves back to his feet, coming over he throws his arms around me, giving me a firm back slapping hug. “Real thankful you were here for my kid.”
I give a shrug. “Glad to help my brothers out.”
He eyes me. “Uh huh. Well, I will text you updates and thank you.”
I dip my chin. “Right. Then I’ll go.”
Ducking out before Harry notices, hating every step I take away from the woman I know I will never be able to get over.