Page 23 of Claiming Becca

She and my dad share a look of agreement. I shake my head immediately, thinking no. I cannot handle her fussing over me for a week or two to get me back on my feet. I look at Becca for help, but she shrugs her shoulders, not knowing what to say. Mom always gets her way.

“I promise I’ll be fine.” I sit down in my recliner with a grimace—big mistake.

“That’s it. I’m staying,” Mom exclaims. I suck in a breath. I love her. I do, but I can only take so much.

“No! Look, Becca can stay.” I motion to her.

Becca’s eyes fly up to mine. “What?” she asks in dismay. Does she not want to stay with me? I probably should have asked her first, but I’m in it now. I lean back slowly in my chair, so I don’t pull the stitches.

“Yeah, you can stay. I arranged for some of my guys to start doing updates on your grandpa’s house today,” I tell her.

Her eyes widen in shock. “You did what?” she asks.

I look at her sheepishly and shrug. “I’ve been promising to do updates for a few months. I decided to go ahead and call one of my guys to lead it as a thank you for all you did while I was in the hospital,” I explain.

She narrows her eyes at me. “You’re my best friend. Of course, I did what I could while you were in the hospital.” She huffs before glancing around the living room. “I guess I could stay and begin decorating like I’ve been telling you I would,” she says.

A corner of my mouth tips up. “And if I need some help, you’ll be here to help me. It’s a win-win.” I shrug. She huffs again, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth.

“That’s a lovely idea,” Mom says with a clap. She turns to Becca, hugging her tight.

My dad claps his hands, causing Becca to jump. “All right now that that’s settled, we’re going to go. Come on.” He ushers Mom out.

With a wave of his hand says, “Maybe we can have a BDSM party next weekend and invite all your friends.”

Becca’s head whips to me, and her eyes are wide. “What the hell?” she whispers to me.

I start laughing and hold my stomach from the pain. Dad is already out of the door and probably in the car waiting.

“Connor McMillan, I’m going to get you for telling your dad that BDSM stands for burgers, drinks, and salsa music.”

Bec’s hand flies to her mouth to hide her laugh. “You did not!” she exclaims, falling into a fit of giggles. “We need to do this and have little handcuffs, whips, and penises at the party. He wouldn’t know what was going on.”

I hold my stomach, trying not to laugh with her but failing. She walks over and pats my shoulder.

“Do not encourage him!” Mom exclaims as she blows us both a kiss and leaves.

Becca sits on the arm of my recliner with a silly grin on her face. “We’re totally doing this.”

I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her into the chair with me. She’s so tiny she barely takes up any room.

“That’s why I like you, Shortcake. You’re always down for my shenanigans.” She hums and quickly stands. I squint up at her.

“So, I can go make some food. Do you need anything?” she asks, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth.

“No. I’m not hungry. I want you to sit with me and watch a movie.”

She runs her hands through her pink hair, giving me a tight smile. “I don’t want to hurt you,” she murmurs.

I tilt my head at her. “You won’t hurt me. I could fit you in my pocket.” I pat the spot next to me.

She sighs. “Okay.” She sits back down gingerly, leaning away from me. I wrap my arm around her and pull her close. She’s been distant the past few days, and I don’t like it.

“Stop being weird. I’m fine,” I tell her.

She exhales, but doesn’t say anything. I find a random movie on Netflix and push play. After a few minutes, she gradually relaxes into my side. She’s like my very own security blanket. Closing my eyes for just a moment, I sigh. This is perfect. She won’t fuss over me like Mom. But it’s nice knowing she’ll be here.

“I knew you couldn’t resist me,” I mumble as I begin to drift off.

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