Page 41 of The Stranger

“I do.”

“Well, you’re welcome.”

Twenty minutes later, I exit the bathroom in the spare room, and I see a glass of water beside my bed and two paracetamols. Next to that is an ice pack for my lip. Tears sting the back of my eyes as I pop the pills into my mouth and swallow them down.

He’d surely deny it if I ever confronted him, but underneath that tough exterior of his is a beautiful, thoughtful human being. He’s like my knight in shining armour, and I may not deserve his kindness, but I appreciate it nevertheless.

Chapter 14

Spencer

“Mother,” I say when she answers my call.

“Spencer, darling,” she replies. “What a pleasant surprise. How are you?”

“I have a minor problem … I was hoping you could help me out.”

“You know there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, Son.”

A smile tugs at the corners of my lips because I’m so grateful for her. I may not be close with my old man, but I’ve always been able to count on my mother over the years. And after witnessing the clusterfuck that is Delilah’s parents, it only makes me appreciate her more.

“It’s concerning Delilah,” I say.

“Oh no, what has happened to that poor girl now?”

“You don’t want to know,” I growl.

“That bad.”

“Yes.”

“That makes me so sad. She’s such a sweet thing.”

I wholeheartedly agree, but I don’t voice that out loud. My mother doesn’t need any encouragement when it comes to the women in my life.

“Is it possible for her to come and stay with you for a while until I can sort something more permanent out?”

“What about your apartment? You have spare rooms.”

“She’s been staying there for the past few nights, but … you know I like my privacy.”

I hear her laugh down the line. “Oh, is that captivating little blonde starting to penetrate that rock-hard exterior of yours?”

“Mother,” I groan. “Can she come and stay with you or not? You have plenty of room, and I know you’d welcome the company.”

“Actually,” she replies. “Now’s not a good time.”

“Why?” I snap.

“You know I’m in the middle of renovations, darling.”

“You’re having your kitchen redone, not the entire house. You don’t even cook, so I fail to see how having Delilah stay there could be an inconvenience.”

“Not to me … never. You know how much I adore that girl, but having a pretty young blonde around while I have a house full of strapping, young tradesmen might pose a problem. On second thoughts, she’s just been through a traumatic breakup … maybe a good rebound fling is exactly what she needs.”

When I growl down the line, she laughs again.

“That’s the last thing she needs,” I grumble. “Never mind. I’ll see if I can work something else out.”