Page 86 of A Me and Him Thing
“Wait. She looks you in the eyes?”
“She does.”
“I’ve never seen her do that.” Ren shifts in his seat.
“I think her eyes are drawn toward my red hair. I’m probably just imagining that she understands me. How could she if she has severe brain damage?” I flip on the seat heater, knowing it will help soothe my aches and pains.
“But I’ve felt as though I was getting through to her a few times as well,” Ren says. “It’s a real feeling. There’s no way of knowing exactly what she comprehends. Truth be told, I think she understands very little. The doctors think she’s completely gone. For her sake, I hope they’re right.”
“I see what you mean.” Time to change the subject. “It was nice of your dad to drive my car to your home.”
“He didn’t mind at all.”
I don’t recognize our route. “Wait. Where are we going? This isn’t the right way.”
“My parents would like to look after you while you recover. I don’t think you should be alone. I’ll take you home if you’drather. My parents wanted me to surprise you. By your reaction, I’m thinking that wasn’t a good idea.”
Um, what? “It’s very sweet of them. And definitely a surprise. I’ve been wondering how I’m going to manage. The thing is, I need to get some personal belongings from home.”
“Make a list. I’ll pack for you. Believe me, you’ll love being pampered by my mom and dad.”
“I believe it.” Except I’d been looking forward to alone time with Ren at my townhome. It’s probably not a good idea for us anyway. We’re still living in the friend zone. As long as he’s a married man, that’s the way it has to be.
I’ve kissed him in my dreams. A million times. “Do you think we’re compatible? My dreams say yes.”
“My dreams say the same thing; therefore, it must be true. Have to say, can’t wait to find out.”
“Same.” I love that we’re on the same wavelength. “Hey, what’s your address?”
“6362 Forest Grove Circle. Why?”
“I used to think 5201 Beachcomber Lane was my happy place. Now it’s 6362 Forest Grove Circle.”
When we pull up to the house, he says, “Really? My house is your happy place?”
“Yep. I mean, only because you’re in it. Without you, it would just be walls and a roof. But…the red mailbox seals the deal.”
Ren laughs heartily. I love making him laugh. “Don’t move. I’m coming to your door to help you.”
I’m surprised when he gently scoops me up into his strong arms. I rest my head on his shoulder. “I think this is the closest we’ve ever been.”
“I now have an acceptable reason to hold you. I’m going to take advantage of it too.”
I love being held by him. Love it. My attraction for him multiplies by one thousand percent.
I’m crazy for Ren. It’s the most honest relationship I’ve ever had.
“Hey, Ren. Everything okay over there? Need help?”
It’s Curtis again. He’s holding a beer bottle in one hand and a cigarette in the other. “Does he hurry out to his fence when he sees you come up the drive?” I whisper. “Sort of weird. Like an old busybody always watching the comings and goings of others.” Except he’s young and handsome and could turn the head of every girl in a room.
Ren scoffs under his breath. “You nailed it.” Then to Curtis, he says, “No problem, Curtis. I got it. Thanks, though.”
“Any time. Need anything, just ask.”
“Will do.”
“Really. I’m always here. Happy to help. Babysitting or whatever you need.”
