Page 6 of Garnish with a Candy Cane
Her mouth falls open as fast as she jerks up in her seat. Caught in the strap taut across her bouncing breasts in her haste. “Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry. You should’ve kicked me out.”
“Never.” Not last night or ever. I reach for her hand, and now she’s snared in my embrace. I’m at least sane enough to realize telling her that will freak her out. “I like having you around.”
She stares at my fingers entwined with hers. A flurry of emotions crosses her face, seeming to land on suspicion when she attempts to tug away from my grasp. I only clutch her tighter. “Don’t be alarmed Duchess. I like keeping you close too.”
My declaration ends her struggle, and she frowns in confusion at me. “Why do you keep calling me that?”
“Because that’s the counterpart to a Duke, isn’t it? If we get married, you’ll be my Duchess…”
A flicker of recognition flames to the realization of our conversation last night. Her eyes sink shut and her head droops. “I said that didn’t I?”
“Yeah, you did.”
Her free hand flies to cover her mouth. “I’m so embarrassed.”
“And that’s not even the worst thing you did.”
Her gaze shoots to mine, and I’m happy to see her again, instead of buried in her seat hiding from me.
“Oh no. What did I do?”
I actually chuckle like a fucking moron, enjoying this too much. Reveling in her and her sweet nature too much. Instead of letting her off the hook, I point to the street sign reminding her I need a bit more direction. “Which one is it?”
The realization that we’re almost to her home makes her head whip around to peer out the window, and she points to a brown brick building with a stained green and white striped canopy dangling over the entryway. “This one’s me.”
Just as I expected – a dump not good enough for my duchess. She’s yanking the door handle before I even slow to a stop next to the curb. Ready to bolt from me, probably even more than from the confines of my vehicle.
“Thanks so much. I appreciate the ride and you taking care of me last night and just everything. Maybe I’ll see you again sometime.”
The rush of words pours out almost as fast as she jumps onto the cracked concrete, twisting around to give me a small wave and awkward smile, and then races toward the entrance without falling despite those stupid shoes. All I can do is grin in return. She thinks she’s escaped, that she’s safe from me. Unaware I’m about to give her so much more than freedom.
Just keep walking. Don’t trip. Don’t look back. Don’t do anything that will encourage him to follow.
Too late. He’s behind me. His heat and scent engulf me before he even touches me. Surprisingly he doesn’t. His enormous hand grabs the handle instead of me. Oh god why am I disappointed he didn’t grab me. Shame consumes me again. My head’s a mess, but right now I’m more worried about my body. I probably smell and my breath has got to be atrocious.
I try to scoot away from him. Of course, he steps closer. I keep my face down to avoid breathing on him. After all of this lunacy, there’s no way I could survive the humiliation of him thinking I stink too. “Thanks, but I’ve got it. You can go now. I’m good.”
“You are good Duchess, but I’m still going to help you.”
Holy tomato that accent and him calling me Duchess and him touching my shoulder are too much. Making me tingle in places I don’t want to think about but can’t help since I’m already so gross still wearing yesterday’s panties. I have got to get away from him. I’ve embarrassed myself enough as it is.
“Go get ready so I can take you to the nursing home.”
No, that can’t happen. I risk a quick glance up to smile with gratitude and shake my head. “Oh no, that’s okay. I mean I appreciate it. Really. But I can just call an Uber.”
His grin instantly disappears and a furious gaze bores into me. “I’m taking you, Noelle. Now hurry up so we’re not late.”
While he’s direct and knows exactly what he wants, a battle rages inside of me of what I want. I can’t lie. Everyone is scared of this man, including me. And him taking me would definitely be faster than waiting for a taxi. But I don’t need him trying to control me. I’ve made it this far taking care of myself. I don’t need anyone else. I don’t need another Tristan.
Time wastes with us facing off against each other. An argument will just steal that much more so despite all my misgivings I give in first – for Nana. “Okay.”
My agreement pleases him, and the sensual smile returns. Why does he have to be so sexy? Ignore it. Which is easy with my back to him. I half race, half wobble up the stairs in the gorgeous yet painful shoes Heidi made me borrow so I’d be the one who feels sexy. Although I think I look like I’m trying too hard.
The realization hits me when we stop in front of my door and my stomach spins again. Heidi has all of my stuff in her purse. No way I can ask to borrow his phone. She probably wouldn’t answer a strange number anyway. My head drops forward in frustration. We’re never going to make breakfast in time.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t have my key.”
