Page 33 of Feel Me

HE DIDN’T EVEN ASK

OLIVIA

“You’re tired. You’ve had a long day,” Lake says, his fingers stroking through my hair.

He’s been here all day. We had lunch together. Watched Dirty Harry movies—I didn’t want to make Lake watch chick flicks—and then, Lake insisted on running me a bath. So, I relaxed in the tub while Lake cleaned up the kitchen. Then, he helped me change the sheets on my bed. I kept expecting him to leave, but it’s now almost ten at night and Lake’s still here. I haven’t brought up the time or asked why. I’m kind of afraid to. It’s not that I want him to stay the night. Not really. It’s just I don’t want him to leave either. I like having Lake here. The house doesn’t seem as quiet with him here. I’m also enjoying the way he brushes my hair and kisses my forehead. It’s the kind of thing that Bear used to do. The longer I’m with Lake, the more I have to admit that I’m attracted to him, more than I ever thought would be possible for me. I do feel some guilt. I feel like I’m somehow being unfaithful to Bear. Logically, I know I’m not. Bear would want me to be happy.

My mind is a mess from this morning. Added to that, are the heavy emotions being around Lake awakens in me. I can’t figure anything out. I know that I’m going to have to attend an emergency therapy session tomorrow.

“Yeah, she’s right here,” Lake says, causing me to jerk my head around to look at him. He’s holding my cell phone. I don’t even know how he got it. Obviously, he answered it—and didn’t even ask me if he could. I frown at him, wondering how things started getting so out of control. I honestly don’t have a clue. The Lake in my house right now is different from the one I ate at the diner with. He’s more confident, flirty, and relaxed. He’s also free with touching, hand holding and kisses on my forehead.

“Who is it?” I whisper, not sure I want to talk to anyone right now.

“Carson,” he answers with a grin. Something about his smile makes me want to throw something at him. I don’t, but I want to.

“I guess of all the ones that might call, Carson is the safest,” I grumble mostly to myself. Lake has the audacity to laugh. I stick my tongue out at him, and he laughs harder. I take the phone with a sigh.

“Hey,” I murmur lamely.

“Heard you had a rough day, Livy.”

“I’m sorry, Carson. I didn’t mean to space out on work,” I respond, feeling guilty.

“Stop that. You know your health will always come first. You’re family.”

“But—”

“No buts. I’m only calling because we’re worried about you. That’s it. Nothing else is more important than your health. We all wanted to come see you, but Lake was afraid you’d be overwhelmed.”

“I’d yell at him, but I think maybe he was right today. The nightmare was pretty intense. I’ll be fine though. I can work tomorrow, but I’ll be late. I’m going to go into town and talk with my therapist to be safe. I don’t want to give this a chance to spiral on me,” I explain.

“You’re not working tomorrow. I’m glad you’re going to therapy though. Tell Lake he can have the day off tomorrow so that he can take you⁠—”

“Carson, that’s not necessary. I’ve already messed up Lake’s whole day. I don’t want to bother him. I can go into town and if I don’t feel like driving, I can ask Cross to come and⁠—”

Lake reaches over and grabs the phone. “Carson, I’ll be taking tomorrow off. I’m going to take Livy into town and make sure she’s okay. We’ll see how tomorrow goes, but if she’s not good, then I’ll turn in that PTO time I have and take a few more days.”

“Lake!” I snap, but he just winks at me—the jerk. He just informed his boss that he was going to take tomorrow off to make sure I was okay … And he didn’t even ask me.

“We’re good. I’m going to sleep on her couch tonight.”

My eyes go wide. He’s spending the night?

“Yeah, I will. Thanks, Carson.”

“You’re spending the night?” I squeak out once he disconnects the call and puts my phone on the end table.

“Yeah,” he responds, acting as if his deciding to spend the night here is nothing.

“You didn’t even ask me,” I point out the one sentence that keeps replaying in my head.

“I’m not leaving you alone, Livy. Now, if you don’t want me to stay here, I can stay outside by the door and listen for you there.”

“That would be stupid,” I gasp, because I can tell he’s completely serious.

“Then, we’re agreed. I’m sleeping on the couch.

“I didn’t agree. I’ll be fine here alone,” I huff.