“Uh-uh,” I say, confirming what she already knows.
She moves toward the closet, trying to keep her weight off her ankle. A moment later, she turns back with a dress in her hand.
“Will this do? I have some flats I can use with it.”
It’s a white dress with big blue flowers that reminds me of a watercolor print. With a nod, I let her proceed, knowing she’ll look beautiful.
I bring the panties up to my nose as she shucks off her shirt and sets it over the jeans. Even in plain underwear, she’s a sight to see. I can’t wait to take her shopping and wrap her in something silky.
She slips the dress over her head and I realize I was wrong. She’s damn near stunning.
“I’ll get my shoes and a raincoat.”
“Sounds good.” I put on my own jacket, sticking the panties in my pocket.
The rain is still coming down when we walk out of her apartment. I check the ground, finding the stairs slick and hugepuddles along the sidewalk leading to the parking area. Nicole isn’t going to make it down from the second floor without having a problem, not the way she was hobbling earlier.
The keys jingle, diverting my attention. Nicole pulls the key from the dead bolt then tugs on the knob to make sure the door’s locked. Well, at least that’s one positive on her safety practices.
Turning, she pushes the button on an umbrella she picked up on the way out. She glances up and stops short.
“What’s wrong?” she asks, her brow furrowed.
I shake my head in response.
“You’ve got that Derrick frown,” she points out, glancing across the apartment complex.
“Derrick frown?” How did I suddenly have a frown named after me.
“I recognize the expression, that’s your version of a frown,” she clarifies.
I hold back the grin trying to make it to my lips. “It’s raining,” I reply, intent on distracting her from my mood.
“That’s why I got my umbrella,” she says, bringing up the umbrella to cover her head. “It’s big enough for both of us.”
She moves slowly, with her trying to avoid putting weight on her injured foot. I could be angry at her carelessness, at the grace missing from her movements. And all for nothing, when she could have easily sat down with me and explained.
Yet the sight of her in that pretty dress brings a smile to my face. Though it’s more tapered to her body, it suits her much better than the jeans she was wearing earlier.
She reaches out as if she expects me to hand her the duffle bag I picked up from the couch. I shoot her a glare, silently telling her exactly what I feel about any man who’d let a woman carry luggage while he strolls along without a care in the world.
Instead, I lift the strap from my shoulder, pull it over my head, then toss the bag itself behind me. I’m essentially carrying it like a sling.
Nicole tilts her head, pressing her lips together. I hope that means she’s resigned herself to not getting the bag.
She steps forward, sharing the umbrella so we can try walking down the stairs together. But I have a better idea. I block her, making her pause. Gently, I wrap my arm around her back then lean down and scoop her up from behind her knees.
She swings the umbrella as she shrieks, which is enough to finally bring a smile to my lips.
“Derrick,” she exclaims, her eyes widening in surprise. She stiffens as I take the first step.
“Stay still and hold on,” I instruct, proceeding to the next step. “The duffle is a good counterweight, but if you throw us off-balance, we’ll both end up in that pond at the bottom of the stairs.”
“Sorry.” She complies immediately.
The door to the neighbor’s apartment opens. “Nicole?” She’s out quick enough to know she was standing by the door. I should have expected it, the way she gave me a once-over when I showed up. “Oh.” The amusement in the woman’s voice wins out over any semblance of concern.
“Oh goodness,” Nicole mutters, while she brings the umbrella up to cover us. “It’s just…I’m okay, Terri.”