Page 20 of Romancing the Rude Guy

“Then you would be the exception to the rule. It seems seventy-five percent of the female population lives in heels.”

Taking a sip of her water, she glares at me over the glass and then lets out a small giggle. “Okay, I worried over the height thing.” Her smooth brows arch. “It really doesn’t bother you?”

“Maybe once upon a time, but not any longer. I’ve learned to accept a lot of things over the years.” A glance at my watch tells me it’s time to finish up our meal.

“Please make yourself at home while I grill the steaks.”

She hops up. “Oh, I can help.”

Watching Alice move around my kitchen is both humorous and does odd things to me. I’d want her to be more comfortable, and it’s not something I’ve given much thought to, but I know others have done it.

“If I get married, I will get the kitchen remodeled,” I say suddenly.

“Oh?” she says, looking over from her semi-hunched position, dicing the chicken at the low counter.

“To make it fully accessible for everyone.”

“That’s really nice.” She turns back to the chicken and a minute later asks, “Do you want marriage and children?”

“Yes,” I answer without hesitation. “I hope to find someone to put up with me. I want what others want, a family.” I pause and forge ahead. “And yes, I can still have sex and father children.”

Bright pink stains Alice’s cheeks when she peeks over at me. “I wasn’t asking or hinting about that.”

I grin and flip the grilled steaks onto a platter. “Most people are curious and don’t feel or even realize how intrusive those questions are.”

Shrugging, I put a towel over my lap before placing the platter there and head over to the dining room while Alice brings the salad and chopped chicken.

“People seem to think the wheelchair means my life should be an open book and they can ask anything they want.”

“Well, that’s not me,” she says stiffly, putting the plates at the two settings I already have in place.

“I know. You’re different.” I put the platter with steak in the middle between us and roll up to my place at the table. “Alice, if you want to know something about me, ask.”

Reaching for her hand, another piece of the wall I’ve built around myself comes tumbling down when she takes my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. “And I’ll do the same.”

CHAPTER TEN

MARCUS

After giving Alice free rein to ask me whatever, I fully expected her to bombard me with questions about my injury. Instead, she asked me if I had any pets.

Not currently.

The same was true for her. Her childhood dog was living his best life down in Florida with her mother, and she had thought about getting a cat or two but wasn’t positive she was ready.

Did I have any hobbies outside of yelling at restaurant hostesses and reporting people who parked in the handicap spots? I said swimming, but that was more to keep my weight down and stay active. She admitted to having a collection of costume jewelry given to her by her grammy that she liked adding to.

The very same grammy that set her up with me.

Had to admit, I liked that lady already.

She was also curious how I got the steak so tender.

Marinate for at least four hours. I also cheat and buy a bottle of marinade sauce instead of mixing my own.

She laughs at that and insists on carrying all the dishes into the kitchen and helping put them in the dishwasher. Again, I’m struck by how right it feels having her here with me.

We move into the living room and this time I transfer to the couch with her, taking care to make sure I have a pillow propped behind my back to keep me from slumping over too much.

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