Page 37 of Sunset

“Here, sit on the couch.” She says, pulling a large kit off the bookshelf.

She sits down next to me and sets my hand on her lap. Even though, I can take care of it myself no problem, as I’ve done it before, I want her to do it. There’s just something special about her taking care of me, especially, after the last few nights.

She opens the towel and wipes away the blood, before opening an alcohol pad and cleaning the area up. She doesn’t flinch or make a face at the blood. With her hands on me and her sitting so close, I don’t feel the cut anymore, and I’m not looking at it, I’m looking at her.

The slight pinch between her eyebrows, as she assesses the cut, is endearing. How she bites her lip, as she concentrates on cleaning the cut up without hurting me, and I love that she’s taking care of me. My heart wants to leap out and make her stay and do this every day.

“I don’t think you need stitches, and it looks like the bleeding has already stopped.” She says, as she applies some cream and a Band-Aid.

When she’s done, she sets the kit on the floor and turns to look at me, taking my hurt hand gently between the two of hers.

“You have to be more careful,” she says tenderly.

I smirk, “You need to be less distracting.”

“You’re blaming this on me?” She smiles.

“Always. I can’t seem to concentrate on anything else, when you’re around.” I say and lean in a bit more.

Watching her bite her lip, all I can think about is how I want to be biting that lip myself. She leans in, and at the last second, turns and kisses me on the cheek, before she stands up.

“Be careful, and if you want to join me for a beer on the porch after dinner, I will be there.” She says and walks out of the office, leaving me staring after her.

That kiss was payback for last night; I know it was.

After dinner that night, I join her on the porch. She knew I would be there, because there was no way I’d miss a chance to spend time with her. She’s sitting on the wicker sofa, looking out over the water, as I sit down next to her, so close that our shoulders are touching.

“How’s your hand?” She asks.

“A little sore, but good to go. Only a little lettuce was damaged in the process.” I tell her and smile.

“I miss having dinner with Lin.” She says. I know her and Lin had dinner every night together, no matter what, since they took over The Inns.

“Her and Kade locked in their room?” I ask. Since the season officially kicks off this weekend, they decided to wait and do a honeymoon after season. Kade said he’d take her anywhere she wants to go, so her and Brynn have been plotting and planning.

“Yeah, but I can’t blame them. I’d spend every minute with my new husband, too.” She takes a long pull from her beer, and then grabs one from the side table, handing it to me.

“You should be careful dressing like this,” I say and lightly trace the deep cut of her shirt.

Her breathing quickens, as I trace from the low dip in her shirt, back up to her neck, and lightly ghost my hand up her jaw, and then over across her lips, before I pull back. It’s a game we’re playing to see who can hold out the longest, or who breaks down and kisses who first.

“Why, because it causes guys to attempt to chop their fingers off?” She jokes.

“It gives guys ideas that you might be dressing up for them,” I say.

“What if I am?”

“Then they’re definitely noticing,” I tell her, letting my eyes run over her body.

“You’re beautiful, Brynn, and you don’t have to go out of your way to make anyone notice that. I see it every day, so don’t change to get anyone’s attention, because you already have it.” I whisper.

Her lips part slightly, and I’m about to say fuck it and kiss her, when she clears her throat and turns back to face the water, as she drinks some more beer.

We talk some more about safe subjects, like the plans for the dinner menu next week, and local town gossip.

“Well, I think we should call it a night.” She stands, and I follow her.

“I don’t need an escort, you know.” She smirks.

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