Page 32 of Rush

Too exhausted at the prospect of showering, he pulled off his t-shirt but left his basketball shorts on and climbed under the covers. He expected to be asleep within minutes. He wasn’t. The thought of Nora sleeping on the couch was driving him slowly insane no matter how hard he tried to force his mind to be quiet.

A half hour later and still not asleep, he threw off the covers and stormed back downstairs. He paused at the entrance to the living room.

Nora was fast asleep, one arm positioned over her head, the other flung out to the side, supported by thin air. From the neck down, she was covered with a light-weight blanket. All except for one smooth, creamy leg bent at the knee with the misplaced blanket revealing a glimpse of hot-pink panties.

Quickly averting his gaze, he concentrated his thoughts on the matter at hand—getting Nora upstairs in his bed without waking her. Even dead weight, she was light as he lifted her into a cradle hold, being careful not to jar her. Same with on the stairs, stepping softly and slowly so as not to miss a tread. Not lying about being a heavy sleeper, she never woke up, even when he straightened her blanket to make sure she was fully covered.

Satisfied she looked comfortable, he headed back downstairs, threw himself on the couch, and instantly fell asleep.

****

Linc could tell Nora was upset. She didn’t say it in so many words, but her actions screamed it. She and Sophie were already up by the time he returned from his run. He found them sitting at the breakfast nook, eating oatmeal and toast, Sophie drinking juice and Nora coffee. Nora didn’t acknowledge him by look or deed when he walked in, but Sophie greeted him with a smile.

“Good morning, Peanut. Is your breakfast good?”

She nodded, taking a scoop for emphasis and stuck it into her mouth.

Nora still didn’t look up from her bowl when she said, “There’s fresh coffee made if you want some.”

“Thanks. I’ll grab a cup after I shower.” He was a sweaty mess and knew he stank to high heaven.

He didn’t get a response. Not even eye contact.

The kitchen was empty when he came back down twenty minutes later. He poured himself a cup of coffee and made his way to the living room. It was empty too. Looking out into the backyard, he saw Nora pushing Sophie on the swing set.

The sliding-glass door made a soft swoosh as he slid it open and then closed after stepping out onto the patio. He made his way to the play area he’d had built shortly after he and Sophie had moved in and planted himself on the wrought-iron bench which sat on the outskirts.

A tiny hand came up in a wave. He waved back, taking a sip of coffee. Nora still ignored him.

After a few more minutes, growing tired of the swing, Sophie jumped off, running to climb up the ramp that led to her fort. From where Linc sat, he could see she started playing with her kitchen playset and knew from past experience, he’d be pretending to eat a meal she’d prepared soon. Now free from her duty, Nora didn’t come to sit by him. Instead, she sat in the swing Sophie had just vacated.

After another minute, Linc sighed, set his coffee cup down on the concrete under the bench, then made his way over, his feet springing on the rubber mulch. He eyed the empty swing next to Nora but thought better of sitting on it. Even if the soft rubber seat could support his weight, he doubted his wide body could squeeze in.

He planted a shoulder against a wooden support beam instead, crossing his arms over his chest. “Want to tell me why you’re upset?”

“Not really.” At least she didn’t instantly deny her anger like so many people would.

“I’m not gonna let it go until you do.”

Her chest expanded and collapsed in a deep breath before he finally got her eyes, which were gorgeous even squinting at him in annoyance. “I’m mad about last night.”

His brain whirled, trying to connect dots that had no origin. “What about it?”

Her jaw flexed. “Think.”

The gears in his head rotated again, coming up with only one reason. “You’re mad because I put you in my bed?”

He received a tight smile then a scornful, “Bingo.”

For the life of him, he didn’t understand. “Why? My bed is more comfortable, and I knew you’d sleep better.”

Her chest expanded and collapsed again, this time with an audible huff. “Forget the fact I specifically told you I wanted to sleep on the couch and you blatantly ignored my wishes—which is enough to be pissed about—did you stop to think how I would feel waking up in a strange room, not knowing how I got there?”

Shit. No, he hadn’t thought of that.

“And you of all people should know better.”

His shoulders sagged in defeat. Well fuck, he was going to lose this argument with her too. He didn’t beat around the bush when admitting his mistake. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

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