Page 37 of Unexpectedly You

Was Haden the same when he was that age? I’d love to see those pictures, but that would be asking too much.

Why do I keep forgetting that it’s only temporary? Why does everything in him and in his house tell me that I’m home?

“They’re beautiful,” I say, focusing back on the picture and not fantasies that will do more bad than good.

“Yeah, they are.” He looks back at the picture, while I begin collecting whatever needs to be put in the rubbish.

“Leave it there, I’ll do it.”

“I’m not an invalid.”

“That you are, at least for now. Rest is your only focus.”

I want to scream, but his stern face is back, so I walk away and leave him there.

When I reach the kitchen to make myself a tea, my phone pings, distracting me from losing my shit and reminding him I can take care of myself. Even if, deep down inside, I love being taken care of. Another thing I should stop fantasising about. I spot it there on the counter and pick it up.

Jeremy… Just seeing his name takes away some of the tension in my body. I was so fucking worried.

Jeremy

All good here. That bastard hasn’t shown his ugly face yet. I’ve got the money for this month, so don’t worry.

Jay

I need to see you. If you don’t come, I will.

Jeremy

I don’t want to bother that guy any more than I did when I forced him to take you with him. It was hard to convince him not to call the police.

Jay

You won’t. And I can always step outside if you don’t feel comfortable.

Jeremy

Always trying to protect me. I love you, Jay.

Jay

Love you too. Don’t make me come looking for you.

Jeremy

I won’t.

“How is Jeremy?”

“Aah.” The phone flies out of my hands, but I grab it with some moves worthy of a top acrobat before it falls on the floor. “Don’t scare me like that.”

He scoffs, and it makes me smile. Always so full of words this man is, and yet he can still be caring and attentive.

“Shall I make coffee?” I ask, feeling again as if this is my home.

“Yeah, thanks. I’ll get the room ready for Arianna, and then I need to shoot off.”

“Work?”