Page 82 of Unexpected Hero

And if I burn some sage and speak that aloud ten more times, I might believe it one day.

He returns a few seconds later, leaning the crutches on the wall beside my bed.Next, he grabs the ice bucket on the bathroom counter and heads out again. “Be right back. Getting some ice for your toes.”

This man can’t stop himself from taking care of me.

My phone chimes with an incoming text. It’s Stella, checking up on me. I send a quick reply to ease her mind, telling her I’ll talk to her later.

James comes back with what’s left of our dinner from his car along with a full ice bucket. He sets everything down, wordlessly scoops ice cubes into a plastic bag, ties it off, and gets a towel. He leaves that sitting on the bathroom counter, returning to the picnic stuff.

I sit in silence, watching him navigate my hotel room as he throws the leftover chicken and potato salad in the mini fridge.

Once he’s done, he surveys the fridge more closely before closing the door. “You need a new place. There’s hardly any room in here for more food.”

“Given my finances, that’s not really an issue with me right now,” I quip before thinking it through.

He straightens to his full height, placing his fists on his hips.

Attempting to distract him from my poverty, I tease, “Are you impersonating Superman?” That spurs an idea, so I amp up the coyness. “Should I be Lois Lane? You’ve already got the carrying me around thing down pat. I’ve been a damsel in distress since you met me.”

He bites his lip and drops his arms to his sides in a huff. “I have to work tomorrow. But I’ll come by afterward and take you to the grocery store. We can put you on one of those scooter things so you don’t have to walk. You’ve got enough leftovers to hold you over, right?”

I nod, sadness pouring into me.

For one, he didn’t flirt back — not that I expected him to. But more worrisome, he’s leaving. I don’t want him to go.

Dammit, Lettie. You don’t need anyone else to make you happy. Find your strength.

Unaware of my mounting melancholy, he continues, “Good. I’ll text you when I’m on my way. It’ll probably be around eight. It’s hard for me to get out of work much earlier.”

“And if I were to object to you insisting on taking me to the grocery store and spending more money on me?”

He does a one-shoulder shrug. “I’d ignore your protests. Better for you to be pissed at me than go hungry.”

“That’s what I figured.” I add an over-pronounced pouty lip.His gaze catches on my mouth, but he blinks himself free.

Dammit. He’s dead set on resisting this attraction between us. That blows.

On the bright side, at least I’ll see him tomorrow. One less lonely day in my life.

He stalks toward me with the ice bag and towel. “Let’s get your foot elevated.”

My insides quiver more with each step he takes toward me. He bends a pillow in half and puts it under my ankle. He drapes the towel over my toes and gently positions the ice.

“Thank you,” I say for the millionth time.

Without a grin, he shakes his head and edges toward the door. My heart leaps into my throat, my pulse thrumming wildly.

“James, wait. Don’t go yet.”

Pathetic, Lettie.

His face remains impassive. “Do you need anything else?”

Just you.

“Want to stay and watch a movie?”

Dragging a hand through his hair, he scans the room. “Nowhere to sit but the floor. And no offense, but it’s not the cleanest looking.”

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