Page 36 of Love for a Lifetime

DAWSON

Sitting at home alone was boring. Dawson had flipped through every channel on television and thoroughly lost at half a dozen game shows.

When his phone dinged, he lunged for it on the small table beside the couch. It was a text from Asa.

Asa: Lyric wants to know if you want to have dinner with us tonight.

Dawson’s thumbs flew over the screen as he replied.

Dawson: Absolutely.

Asa: You need a ride?

The doctor said to hold off on driving for a few days since the injury was to his right leg, but he could probably manage.

Dawson: I think I can make it. Jeremy is coming by later. He might give me a ride.

Asa: He’s invited too.

Dawson: 10-4.

When another response didn’t come immediately, Dawson set the phone on the couch beside him and groaned. The short conversation wasn’t enough to fend off his boredom.

He could always call his mom again. She never ran out of things to talk about.

The front doorknob jiggled and turned. There was a quick rap against the wood before Olivia sang, “Hello?”

Dawson was on his feet in an instant. The sight of Olivia always sent his pulse into overdrive. “My queen!”

“Your food courier,” Olivia quipped, holding up a bag. She was still wearing her purple scrubs and white sneakers from work, and, if anything, the basic outfit brought out her beauty.

Dawson carefully balanced on his good leg. “I don’t need food. I need companionship.”

“I’m not sure there are any escort agencies around here,” Olivia said.

Dawson turned to her and opened his arms. “Come here, woman. I haven’t touched another human being since you left yesterday.”

Olivia sighed but put the bag on the table and lifted her arms. “I’ll bring you a body pillow tomorrow.”

Dawson folded Olivia into his frame and inhaled the sweet smell of her hair. The scent tingled in his nose. “I missed you.”

“It’s only been a day. Not even twenty-four hours,” Olivia said.

“I don’t care. I miss you when you’re gone.”

Olivia pressed her cheek against his chest and squeezed him tight. “I missed you too.”

The urge to wrap her up and never let go flared hot inside him. He did more than miss her when she was away. He was half empty without her.

Every moment he was with her was like water racing down his burning throat. When she was gone, the flames were left to rage until he was back in her orbit.

She pulled out of his embrace and pushed her hair out of her face. “Food first, then I’ll check on your stitches.”

She picked up the bag of food, but Dawson reached for it. “Let me get that for you.”

She handed over the bag. “Thanks. It’s barbecue.”

Dawson inhaled a deep breath of the spicy meat. “You are an angel. I’m starving.”

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