Page 101 of A Chance for Us
So, she refused to ask for help but then gets upset that she didn’t have it? It makes no sense. She can’t blame everyone else for the problem she created.
There’s a throat clearing, and we both turn to see Oliver standing there. “I’m sorry, but Patrick woke up and he’s asking for you, Linda.”
The only sound is the mug hitting the counter before she’s gone. Oliver makes his way over to me. “Are you okay?”
“Years of pent-up bullshit won’t be solved in one conversation, but maybe I have a small amount of understanding into her psychosis now.”
“I know it’s not easy.”
“No, it’s not and I don’t agree with any of it.” He wraps his arms around me, and I sink into his embrace. When Oliver has me in his hold, it is easy to believe I can tackle the world—or, at least, Linda. I draw on his strength, staring up in his gaze. “But I know my father would want me to be kind to her. He’d hope that his family would treat her with respect, regardless of whether we’re afforded the same courtesy.”
He kisses the top of my head. “You are a far better person than I am.”
That statement is so untrue. Oliver is an amazing man who does things for others without any hope of reciprocation. He has a huge heart and I am falling hard for him.
He moves and winces a little. Oh, damn. “Oliver! Shit. I didn’t even ask. How was the doctor?” I ask, remembering that I haven’t mentioned it.
“Fine. They did some blood work and routine tests. She said she’ll call me this week with the results.”
“For a pulled muscle?”
“She doesn’t think it’s that. She said it’s most likely just an infection.”
I tilt my head, not having such a good feeling about that. “What kind of infection?”
Oliver sighs. “It’s not a big deal. She didn't seem concerned and put me on antibiotics. I’ll be good in a few days.”
Relief floods me. “Okay. Good. I’m glad you went.”
He sways a little, a grin painting his lips. “She also said I have no restrictions.”
“All men are the same.”
“Notall.”
“No, not all, but when it comes to that . . .”
“Hey, I just wanted to inform you of what the doctor said. I didn’t say anything else. It’s your mind that’s in the gutter.”
I laugh, which is something I haven’t done much of since I got here. “Maybe it is, Mr. Parkerson.”
“I’m not complaining.”
My finger grazes the skin right below his neck. “As soon as my aunt gets here, we can go to our hotel.”
“Yeah?”
I nod. “Where I know you’ll find a very inventive way to make me forget all about the hell I’m currently in.”
Oliver tilts my head up. “I will. I’ll make you forget everything other than my name.”
I can’t fucking wait.
* * *
There’s not much in terms of luxury in this town, but the hotel is ten minutes from my dad’s place, is clean, and has breakfast, so it works. I put my uncles and aunts in a rental house where they can all have their own rooms and it didn’t cost a fortune. Plus, they can cook and drink wine without having to squeeze in a room.
Of course, my uncle John had to point out there was a bedroom for me and Oliver, which led to them all ganging up on me on why I needed privacy.
