Page 56 of Derek
“I am not marrying anyone,” I state firmly, suddenly feeling sweaty.
“I know.” Janie shrugs as she flips through wedding pictures on her phone.
“Then stop looking!” I panic. “And get those delusions out of that girl’s head while you’re at it.”
“They aren’t in her head,” Janie states, seemingly uninterested in the conversationshestarted. Why is Fox so in love with her? Wait…
“They aren’t in her head? Then why are you looking?” Janie shrugs.
“You’ll never be with anyone after your ex. Indy will never be with anyone because she feels like a burden. But you two are gorgeous and would look gorgeous all dressed up, so I’m envisioning it in my head.” I shift uncomfortably.
“Indy isn’t a burden,” I say softly.
“I know,” Janie reassures me. “And I know you like her, but don’t want to.” I look away, not wanting to give her an answer.
“I’m fluent in broody alpha man body language. Nice try.” She winks at me, and I groan.
“Why must you be such a pain in the ass?”
“That’s what she said.” I let out a light chuckle at her remark before letting out an irritated sigh.
“She’s young and bright. She’s such a good person, and I have a shit storm of baggage and–”
“You don’t want to be a burden?” I glare at Janie, who has a grin on her face that reminds me of Atlas.
“You’re at Hel’s too much,” I mutter. “Their stink is rubbing off on you.”
* * *
I groanas Janie tries to help me out of the back of the Uber. “You are too tiny–”
“Shut up,” she mutters as I right myself. “Are you okay to go in?”
I look at my quiet house before nodding. “Yeah, thanks, Mama J.” I give her a slight side hug, and she laughs.
“I know that just about killed you, but just know, I will treasure that hug forever.” I groan as I wave her off while shuffling painfully up to my front door. Sticking my keys into the lock, I open the door to find Indy sleeping on my futon, wrapped around my pillow.
“What the?” I shut the door, and I watch the girl pop up, and I can’t help but laugh. She has drool down the side of her chin, and her hair is matted, tangled, and sticking out every which way.
“Oh,” her sweet groggy voice squeaks out as she yawns. “I thought you would be home this weekend. I haven’t finished everything.”
“Finished what?” I ask tentatively and look around the room. It smells like she’s been using my cleaner. Could that be what she’s talking about?
“Your bed won’t be here until tomorrow.” My bed?
“Darlin’, you’re on my bed.” Indy shakes her head while rubbing the heel of her palm into her sleepy eye.
“I bought you a bed. you can’t lay on this while trying to heal.” My face falls.
“Why would you do that?” I ask while rubbing my chest. Indy furrows her brows, confusion painting her innocent face.
“Because you need a proper bed–”
“That futon has done just fine for me. I don’t need a bed. Cancel the order.” I state as I limp into the kitchen.
“I can’t cancel it. It’ll be here tomorrow.” She huffs, following me as I grab a bottle of water from the fridge.
“Then let me know the total, and I’ll reimburse you, and I’ll tell them to leave it on the curb.” Hurt flashes through her eyes, and I wince. “Indy, I’m sorry–”
