Page 53 of Sugar Coated Lies
“I’ve been fired over less.”
“I’m not going to fire you. Ever.” His green eyes pierce mine, leaving no chance for doubt.
Could I have found a place and person I can rely on? “That means a lot. Thank you.” I fight the tears burning my eyes. One slips down my cheek.
Daire catches it with his finger and wipes it away, his brows drawn tight. “I’ve never met anyone like you. You give so much to everyone and ask for so little in return.”
I don’t see myself like that at all.
His eyes hold mine for a few more moments, then he stands and takes his coffee mug to the kitchen.
I’m on his heels. “Did you want more?”
“I was going to rinse it out.”
“I’ve got it.” I take the coffee cup and wash it in the sink with mine.
“What are your plans for today?” He peers around the small house, stretching his arms but keeping his elbows bent so he doesn’t hit the ceiling. His t-shirt lifts, showing off his stomach.
My gaze catches on the light dust of hair visible above his very low hanging shorts.
I swallow deep in my throat, my core clenching again, and force my eyes away. “Um…uh…” What was the question again? Oh, yeah. “I promised Grandpa I’d take him to the park.”
“Yeah?” He unleashes a huge smile.
“He loves it. I’m packing a picnic, then we’ll come home for his nap. I have to get to the grocery store at some point, too. But I’ll worry about that later.” I dry my hands on a dishtowel.
“Do you take him with you to the store?”
I shake my head. “It doesn’t turn out well.”
“Who watches him?” He folds his arms over his chest, his biceps bulging, and rests his hip against the counter.
“I usually ask Carol.” She lives nearby. “But I feel bad asking. She’s been watching him a lot lately.”
“I can help.”
“What? How?”
“How ever you need. I can stay here with Grandpa.”
I laugh. “Miles. You can call him Miles.”
“I can watch Miles while you shop, or I can shop for you?”
I can’t stop a heartwarming smile from forming. I also can’t help but wonder if I’m dreaming again. “I can’t picture you in a Walmart.”
He tilts his head, his features scrunched with thought. “I’ve been in one, I think.”
“You think?” I laugh again and catch Daire watching me the way I used to watch fireflies when I was a child, believing they were fairies. I like it much more than I should. The fact that he’s here in my tiny house, hanging with meandoffering to help, takes my breath away.He’sthe generous one.
“I’ll shop,” I say, “and you can stay here while Grandpa takes his nap. It won’t be until after our picnic, though. Will you still be available?”
“I’m here now. Why don’t I just stay?”
“And go to the park with us?”
He unfolds his arms and rests his hands on the counter, leaning his sexy backside against the edge. “Unless my presence will be a nuisance.”
