Page 35 of The Lucky One

I hated being someone else’s responsibility. I hated not being able to take care of my dog. And it was the first time I ever truly hated being alone.

“Would you want to watch a movie?” I call out, unsure of where she is in the house at this point.

She appears at the edge of my vision, clutching an ice pack, a bottle of water and some meds.

“Together?” She swallows.

I hold a hand out for my stuff and she snaps out of her strange little trance. Without saying a word, she opens the bottle and shakes out two pills. I give her my best ‘more’ gesture with my hand and she flinches as she shakes out one more.

“I guess we could coordinate and watch the same movie in two rooms,” I quip, twisting the cap off the water bottle. In the field of vision beyond my drink, Bridget is blurry but flustered and red.

I seem to bring that color out in her often.

“What would you want to watch?” She leans over and cautiously drapes the ice pack over my knee, adjusting it so it covers the entire area. I bend it enough that she can tug the velcro strips around and fasten them so it won’t slide off.

She’s gentle with her touch, but quick and precise. No nonsense, like pretty much everything else she does.

“You can pick,” I sigh, eager for relief to wash over me.

She glances up at me. “What if I want to watchHow to Lose a Guy in 10 Days? I might need lessons in love ferns.”

“We could get a love fern.” I shrug. “I’m pretty sure ferns are pretty hard to kill.”

“Are you insinuating I can’t keep plants alive?” she asks, raising an eyebrow.

I’m genuinely curious if it’s normal to enjoy getting under someone’s skin this much. Bridget is full of expression when she’s irritated with me, much bolder and willing to say what’s on her mind.

I’ve noticed she’s not afraid to give directions, but she rarely voices whatshewants. I have a lot of questions about that, but I’m not about to push her. She doesn’t trust me yet.

“Can you?”

“I’ll have you know I have a thriving collection of succulents at home. A whole thicket.”

I open my mouth to tell her that I’m not sure a group of succulents counts as a thicket when they’re probably in cute little jars she arrangesjust so, but I don’t have the energy.

I tilt my head. “You realize succulents are probably the least needy plant, right?”

“That’s beside the point,” she says, glancing away from me to brush imaginary lint off her clothes.

“Turn it on.”

Bailey is comfortably sprawled beside me on the middle cushion, but his ears twitch as our conversation volleys back and forth. I wish he could tell me what he thinks of her because I’m honestly pretty intrigued.

I don’t miss the way her body language shifts, her mouth falling slightly agape for the briefest of moments before she collects herself again.

“You’re serious?”

“I’m just going to sit here, anyway.” I lean my head on the cushion, adjusting to get more comfortable. “Do you have plans?”

She hesitates, rubbing the tips of her fingers together in thought. “No.”

“Then, be my guest. Take a seat.”

“I’m going to change first. Not really the best loungewear.”

I’m grouchy, and I’m afraid I’m taking it out on Bridget. I really need to cut it out.

“You looked great tonight, Bridget.” I swallow. “Beautiful.”

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