Page 77 of The Matchmaker Club

14

Broken Pieces

The next few days were a bit awkward with Lucas. He returned to his usual routine and brooding self. I was glad to get some time away from him with work. The rest of the time I spent either in my room or over at Thelma’s. The only good news was that he kept his word—he had somehow convinced his father into giving us more time to find a place. Now we had another month tacked on to the original deal. Another month where we ignored the fact that we would have to leave our home.

I opened my laptop and started the search I should’ve done the first week.

Lucas knocked on my opened door. “I don’t mean to bother you, but I’m really itchy, and I can’t find the calamine lotion.”

Oh no.

I shut my laptop and ran into my bathroom and grabbed the bottle, then searched my sink drawer for some cotton balls. He stood in the doorway, his hands clenched into fists.

“Where is the rash?”

“My back, arm, and a few other places I need to take care ofright now.” He grabbed the bottle from my hands and instantly started undoing his belt.

“Oh my god. You got a rash on your family jewels?”

“Unfortunately, yes.” He ripped off his slacks, and I turned around.

“Are you sure that rash is from a plant?” I let out a snicker.

“It’s not funny.” He made some sounds like he was in relief or about to have an orgasm, which only increased the levels of the laughter meter.

“I…ah… need your help.”

“I am not touching that thing,” I said.

“Notthat. Would you mind getting my back? Please.”

I turned around to find him squirming in a pair of black boxer briefs. I grabbed the bottle and cotton. “Come into my room.” I pointed to my desk chair. “Straddle that.”

Lucas didn’t waste time and swung his leg over the chair, his arms hugging the back.

My eyes scanned the top part of his back, and I found a small patch of tiny blisters near his left shoulder blade. I soaked the cotton ball with the lotion and dabbed the infected area. He groaned out in relief, and his back arched at my touch.

Damn, he was hot. Even with pink blotches of lotion dabbed on that soft tanned skin.

Snap out of it, Taylor. He’s a Freeman, and you’re a Reed.

Never. Happening.

I found a smaller spot near the band of his underwear. I pulled down and dabbed that spot as well. “I think you have it on your butt, too.”

“I do, but I managed to reach those spots.”

“Do you feel itchy anywhere else?”

His shoulders drooped, and he let out a sigh. “No.” He chuckled. “I guess I can cross off something highly irresponsible off the list.”

I handed him the lotion and bag of cotton. “Here. You’ll need this later. Just let me know when you need help with your back again.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” I turned away, not needing to be tempted by the almost naked, gorgeous specimen of a man in my room.

He headed out my door but came back in. “I don’t want things to be awkward between us anymore. If my being here makes you uncomfortable, I’ll go stay at the motel.”