Page 16 of Torqued Off

“Is that why you keep calling me baby?”

“Yeah. I figured if you liked that song, you’d like being called ‘baby’.”

“You’re not wrong. And I remember the first time I saw you…”

I slip my hand into hers as I hit the keypad to unlock the door. “And…”

“I was over in Hard Brake bar having a drink and you were sitting in the corner talking to Arrow over a pint. I paid for a shot of tequila to be delivered to you, but then I chickened out and left before they delivered it.

“That was you?”

“Yeah.”

“So…all this time we wanted to meet up?” We ride the elevator on opposite side, like we know when we touch again we’ll spontaneously combust.

“Sometimes you just know.” Her chest rises and falls quickly.

The elevator dings at my floor and the door opens. But we don’t move.

I step forward and hold the door open. “Bree, I want to be the one to have your back from now on.”

She swallows and meets me in the middle of the doors. “I promise, I’ll trust you with all my heart.”

“That’s all I need, baby. Your heart.” I step out. “And maybe a kidney.”

She shuffles behind me. “Say what?”

“Oh yeah, I had a double kidney transplant when I was injured.”

“Then we should go to the hospital to have you checked out after everything you’ve been—”

I turn and place my lips to hers. “I’m fine. I just need to take my meds.”

“Then what are we waiting for! Go! Less kissing, more moving!”

I laugh at how she’s pushing on my back.

So I go.

Inside my apartment I take care of my medical needs. It’s just a part of me.

“Are you okay, Thane?” She watches while leaning back against the kitchen counter. The pill box is extensive. Her interest reassures me that she’s connected.

“I’m good.”

“That’s a lot of meds.”

I nod.It is.

“Will you always be…good?” she asks as I step toward her. Her fingers grip the edge of the counter behind her.

“Baby, I’m going to be kicking for decades to come.”

Her gaze stays toward the floor. “I don’t think I could live without you.” Her gaze comes up. “You’ve made me feel again.”

I push a piece of hair from her face. “You could. But you might not like it.”

We stare at each other. The stillness is comforting.

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