Page 78 of Unexpected Hero

James has been reserved since we left the beach, so I offer another joke to avoid the stilted silence.“These things are the worst invention for the uncoordinated.”

He helps me to the bench under the awning in front of the building. Once I’m seated, he takes the crutches with him and dashes into the parking lot.

“Hey! Don’t I need those?” I yell to his retreating back as the evening breeze rustles my hair.

“I can’t watch you attempt to use these anymore,” he retorts cryptically, a hint of teasing in his tone.

He’s also carrying my strappy sandal, and a little snort escapes me at how it flops around with his impersonation of me nearly falling.

From what I know of him, he’s not one for physical comedy, which makes it extra humorous.

Comfy on the bench, I watch him slide into the car and drive around to pick me up. Once he shifts into park, he pops out, moving swiftly, and returns to my side.

Without the crutches.

Maybe he’s gonna be my human crutch.

When he gets in front of me, I stick out my hand, assuming he will help me stand. He doesn’t, nor does he explain his plan. Instead, he shakes his head, bends at the waist, moves in close, and scoops me up in his arms.

No objections to this man hauling me all over town if he wants to. When we left the beach park, he carried me from the picnic table to the car. I considered licking his neck but dug deep and found the willpower to settle for a sniff instead.

I’m so strong I scare myself sometimes.

I sling my arm over his shoulder, loving the feel of his firm muscles under my skin. “Thank you. This is much better than using crutches.”

Didn’t mean to be all breathy sounding, but he’s short-circuiting my brain with his general hotness.

Heh. General hotness, reporting for duty. Stella would have liked that one. I’ll have to tell her later.

“No problem,” he grits out like it pained him. He doesn’t look at me despite how my gaze must burn into the side of his face.

Once he has me tucked in the front seat, he closes the door wordlessly. As he walks around the back of the car, I watch him in the mirror. He wiggles his arms and shoulders in a full-body version of the Pride and Prejudice hand flex.

Giggle.

He wants me. As mutual as the desire is, though, I don’t see it being something he will compromise on. His mind is made up. I might as well make peace with it.

Not to worry. Self-control is one of my many strengths, so that’s probably going to work out just fine. Eye roll. Let’s see how long I keep myself in check before I try to tempt him again.

We almost get out of the parking lot before I start back on my bullshit. “Will you be carrying me into my hotel room as well? How about to and from the bathroom for the next few days? Should we stop to get your pillow and some clean clothes at your place on the way, or will you be moving me in with you?”

Impressive amount of self-control, Lettie. Bravo.

His deep, throaty chuckle makes my nipples sharpen to points. But he sobers almost immediately. “Don’t tempt me, Lettie,” he rumbles with a scolding tone to his words.

My frame stiffens as a jolt of guilt settles low in my tummy. He was clear about not wanting to be physical, and I told him I’d respect that. It would be nice if I actually attempted to uphold that promise.

“I’m just teasing. I’ll be fine. But thank you again.”

The car accelerates smoothly after he exits the parking lot.

When he speaks again, his tone holds less of a reprimand. “Stop thanking me. That’s the seventh time. I told you I’m not doing this for the thanks.”He adds a half grin to let me know he’s not overly annoyed.

“I know. It’s hard for me to accept a lot of things in life. Compliments and gifts are at the top of the list. Maybe I’m over-thanking you as an adverse side effect to my discomfort over all you’ve given me. I don’t know.”

He glances at me and then refocuses on the road.“Why is it hard to accept help or praise?”

For a moment, I get lost in the sexiness of his hold on the steering wheel and the flex of his forearm muscles. “Uh... what?”

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