“No way.” I scoff. “That’s a job for me and me alone. And you’ll see when you get out there.” I waggle my brows and he rolls his eyes, opening the door. He walks out first and I follow behind him, pressing a hand to his back. Feet coming to a halt, he lifts a hand to his chest and looks back at me. “How did you—”
“I had to drive to three different cities and ten different stores to find it.”
“I was starting to think I’d never have one.” He reaches for one of the leaves on the small tree, a smile cracking across his face. “It’s perfect. I can’t believe you went through all the trouble to get me one.” He bounces on his feet a little.
I rub circles up his spine, pressing my lips into his hair. “And I’d gladly do it again if it keeps you smiling like that.”
His cheeks flush as he looks between me and the plant, touching the thin, small branches while squeezing my hand.
“Sí, carino. We are both really here.”
His chest dips, fingers tightening around mine. “Yeah. You are.”
I peck his cheek and guide him back to my truck. “So, where are you going to put your new lemon tree?”
“I don’t know. Where it was left for me isn’t such a bad spot.”
“You have plenty of time to think about it, and then I’ll help you plant it wherever you choose.”
“I can do it myself,” he says, opening his car door.
“Of course you can, but I’m here to help it get done faster if you want. Two people are always better than one, and anything to give you more time to paint my rock for me.”
Chuckling, he ducks his head and gets into the car. I slip in after him, starting the engine seconds later before offering him my hand. He doesn’t take it until we’re halfway down the street, leaning his head on my shoulder as he sings the random song playing on the radio.
As we arrive at my place, I lift his hand to my mouth and press a kiss on his soft skin. Turning his face slightly, his eyes sear into mine. “I can’t believe I’m about to finally see your place.”
“I’m sure the dust bunnies won’t believe it either.”
He snorts. “Are you really sure you want to come with me tomorrow?”
“I’m sure. Besides, you’re already packed, and I cleared my whole schedule for the rest of the week.”
“I’m not keeping you from anything important, am I?”
“Nah. I’m right where I want to be.”
His phone buzzes and he sighs. “I bet it’s Daniel again. I haven’t responded yet. He’ll probably show up to my house.”
“Let him. He can go by all he wants. You won’t be there.”
“No, I won’t.” His lips jump, but when he reaches into his pocket, his face pales. “Shit.”
“What is it?”
He looks up at me, his face looking like all the blood has been drained from it. “My editor. He’s in intensive care in a coma. They don’t know if he’ll make it.”
“Oh, carino. That’s not good. I’m sorry.”
“I think what’s worse about the whole thing is, I don’t even feel bad. Does that make me an awful person?”
I stroke his chin. “No. You’re probably just in shock.”
“Yeah. That could be it. I think I also may be letting my hate for the guy get in the way of me feeling any remorse. It’s not right, I know.”
“Sounds very normal to me. He’s at least still alive, isn’t he? Which means there’s a chance he’ll pull through?”
“Uh-huh . . .” His eyes travel to the window and he slips his hand out of mine. “And like some damn monster, I’m hoping he doesn’t.” His eyes water.