Tucking my arm behind my head, I close my eyes and feel a smile on my face.
I had a great fucking night and am starting to believe a decent life may be possible.
Chapter Seventeen
Robin
Sweet Jesus.
The sound of my alarm carves like a blunt serrated knife into my skull, and I can barely peel my eyes open. Desperate to stop the torture, I slap my hand in the general direction of my nightstand, knocking shit off in the process, but the incessant beeping won’t stop.
The door flies open and a disheveled Gray come barreling in, a wild look in his eyes.
“What the hell?”
“Make it stop,” I groan pathetically.
He takes in the scene and immediately dives for my alarm clock, punching buttons until he finally rips it clear out of the socket. Then he sets everything back on the nightstand and sits down on the edge of the bed.
“I take it you still feel like shit?” he asks, brushing hair off my forehead. I nod gingerly. “Maybe you should take a day off.”
“I can’t. I have to do payroll today, so everyone gets their money before the holidays.”
I fling back the covers and realize I’m only wearing panties. The rest of what I was wearing yesterday is piled on my dresser. Gray’s eyes quickly avert and he’s on his feet like a shot. Funny, since I’m pretty sure I recall him undressing me.
“Okay, then hop in the shower,” he suggests, already reaching for the door. “And I’ll bring you more water and drugs, and will get coffee going.
It’s with a great deal of willpower I manage to get myself in the shower. The stream of warm water does make me feel a little better as I make quick work of washing my hair. When I pull back the curtain, I see Gray left me another glass of water and a couple of ibuprofen on the vanity which I down immediately.
In the kitchen, Gray is standing over the stove, the smell of coffee and frying eggs filling the air. I’m surprised to find myself hungry. No nausea, and the deep throbbing in my head seems to be waning.
“You stayed the night?”
His head swings around and I notice his eyes are clear, as opposed to mine looking bloodshot and bleary in the mirror just now. That’ll teach me to drink more than one.
“Didn’t seem safe to leave you,” he says with a shrug before turning back to the stove.
It’s a new experience having someone be protective of me. That’s usually my job, to shield and protect. Rick was possessive; there was little caring involved in that and all about ownership. Dad had always looked out for Mom, so I automatically took on that role when he died. Although now with the new man, I wonder if he’ll step in. That remains to be seen. Of course Paige has always been my responsibility, and I don’t know if that will ever go away.
“Thank you.”
He glances over and gives me the slightest of nods.
“Over easy?”
“Sounds good.” I sit down and take a grateful sip of the hot coffee he slides in front of me, alongside a plate with eggs and a piece of toast.
It’s still dark out when we head into town.
“Want to pick up your wheels now, or after your shift?”
“Now, please. I’m feeling better, but I’m sure I’ll be crashing at some point. I’d rather not have to worry about picking it up then.”
I look over at him and cover his hand on the gearshift with mine.
“And, Gray? Thank you for looking after me last night.”
He glances at me sideways and a smile tugs at his mouth.
“Any time, Sunshine.”
“Why do you call me that?” I ask, genuinely curious. It’s not the first time he’s used the nickname.
He doesn’t answer immediately, and I’m about to ask again when he pulls up next to my Honda in the Dirty Dog’s parking lot and twists in his seat.
“That’s what you are to me. I spent most of my life living under dark clouds, and the first time I saw you I was able to feel the sun on my skin. Doesn’t matter how gloomy the day, I catch sight of you and everything lights up.”
I can’t find adequate words, so instead I lift his hand and press a kiss in his palm to convey how deeply moved I am.
“I’m glad,” I finally manage.
“Me too,” he simply says, before leaning over and brushing his lips over mine lightly.
“I should go,” I mumble.
“I know.”
“I don’t want to.”
“I know that too.”
I reach out and stroke a hand over his face before forcing myself to get out of the truck. When I’m behind the wheel of my SUV, I look over and see him lowering his passenger side window. I roll down mine as well.
“Give me a shout when you’re done,” he calls out.
I smile, give him a thumbs-up, and drive over to the diner with a smile on my face and a warm glow in my heart.
I almost drop the tray with dirty dishes when I hear a loud scream followed by a crash. Quickly setting it down by the dishwasher, I dart out of the kitchen to find Kim and a few patrons crowding around Jess, one of our part-timers.
“Robin, we need a clean towel and water!” Kim calls over her shoulder.
I dart back in the kitchen where Jason hands me a mixing bowl to fill with cool water. I grab a couple of clean linen towels and soak them in the bowl of water.
This isn’t our first rodeo; working in the food industry, burns are an almost daily occurrence, but mostly minor. It doesn’t sound so minor this time and I can see why when I walk up to the group and see Jess sitting on a chair, tears running down her face.
Her right arm is stretched
