Page 59 of Between Us

“It’s hard to say exactly how much it could cost you. For liability reasons, Dr. Miller or whoever examines Zippy will need to run labs before they prescribe anything. That’s where it starts to add up.”

She sniffles and moves her gaze to Blake. With a quiet voice she says, “We can’t afford that… especially with the holidays coming up…”

“I know,” Blake cuts in. “That’s the only reasonItold Adrian to give him the allergy medicine. It wasme, not hi—”

“Nah,” I say as I take a small step forward, so we’re in line with each other. “If I felt like there wasanythingmore serious going on, I would’ve called Dr. Miller or whoever is on call. No matter what Blake said about it. This wasourdecision.”

From the corner of my eye, I can see the stunned expression on Blake’s face. It doesn’t surprise me that she tried to take all of the blame. It does unsettle me that she still seems so surprised by me watching out forher.

Erika gives both of us a small, reassuring smile. “I appreciate you both taking into consideration our… situation. And I don’t want to get you in trouble. I think,” she sighs out, “this is the best choice for now. If we can avoid any sort of vet bill, it would be helpful right now.”

“Of course. It’s whateveryoufeel comfortable with. And if there’s any problems at all, I can leave you with my number, but you have all of the Millers’ and the clinic’s contact information as well.”

She nods and glances at the floor, wincing when she catches sight of Blake’s wrapped ankle. “I’m so sorry, dear. I know I don’t have to tell you how rambunctious they are, but this is another level.”

Blake grabs onto my arm so she can hop closer to Erika. With only a second of hesitation, Blake pulls the woman into her arms, careful not to disturb the sleeping dog.

“It’s okay. I promise I’ll be fine.” Blake pulls away and even though I can’t see her, the smirk in her voice is evident. “Theywill bewriting to Santa for a new babysitter after how strict I’m going to be going forward.”

Erika laughs and looks visibly relieved that Blake isn’t quitting on them. She offers Blake a hand while she hops back to me. “I don’t think you should be driving on that.”

She opens her mouth, probably to argue that it’s only a couple streets away from her house, but I answer before she can. “I’ll drive her. As long as it’s okay if her car gets picked up tomorrow.”

“Oh, of course!” Erika quickly nods. “I’d insist on taking her myself, if it was any sort of problem.”

Glancing down at Blake from the corner of my eye, I bite down a grin before I add, “It’s not at all.”

Blake’s hand flexes around my forearm, and I’d bet just about anything that if I looked down at her, that soft pink flush would be painting her cheeks again.

Chapter Thirty

Blake

Adriantriedtoinsiston carrying me to his car, but I assured him that I could make it there myself; with the help of him holding my waist. At least my foot was on the ground. Truthfully, I would’ve loved for him to fireman-carry me again.

Just not in front of the mother I babysit for.

It’s been an embarrassing enough night at that house.

Though without an audience, I don’t fight him when he gently lifts me off the ground by my waist and sets me into the passenger seat. For the fifth time since he found me on the shed floor, he leans over and places a kiss on my temple. “You good?”

I nod, kind of in a trance as he towers over me while carefully tucking my legs into the car. One of his hands slides up my calf before settling on the seat next to me. The position pulls him even closer to me.

“What do you want, Blake? Do you want me to take you home?” There’s a shadow that crosses his gaze when he offers that. I know he would. He’s always going out of his way to make sure I’m as comfortable as possible.

But I get the feeling he doesn’t want to go our separate ways yet. And neither do I.

Slowly, I shake my head and whisper, “No. For once, I really don’t want to go tomyhouse.”

I bite my lip, hoping he picks up my unspoken meaning here. From the way his eyes are glued to my lower lip as it flicks out from my teeth, I’d say he understands.

“How about we pick up dinner from The Loop and we can watch a movie at my place?”

Nodding, I gather my waning courage as the nerves kick in and lean forward. My lips brush his in a soft promise of what’s to come.

Not only tonight—but forus.

AsAdriansetsmedown on his couch—I let him carry me this time—I slowly take in his studio apartment. I’m also silently cursing myself for being too hurt to snoop around while he runs out to get my bag and our food.

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