don’t,” she said, her brows drawing together.
“You do. You’re doing it right now. I doubt I’m a unique case. You need to reserve some of that goodness inside you to look out for yourself.”
“I’m not offering you one of my kidneys.” She gazed steadily at me, her reddish-brown eyes aglow. “I’m just offering to lend a helping hand. We’re going to be neighbors. You’ll be living just downstairs.” Her lips quirked. “If you need something, you can just knock on the ceiling three times.”
Referring to a very old song, she lightened a moment that felt heavy. The second time she’d done so since we stepped outside.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Good.” She tugged her arms free, and I reluctantly let her go.
I liked—no, I loved holding her. I just knew I had no right to. Though I wanted her still, she wasn’t on a break from Saber anymore.
Rooted in place, I watched her move, all slender shoulders, bronzed skin, and shapely legs. Somehow she made wearing denim overalls irresistibly sexy.
“Knock, knock,” I said, moving up behind her as she pulled open the sliding glass door.
“Who’s there?” Turning to look at me, she wore an amused expression.
Her brother moved closer, watching us with a speculative glint in his eyes.
“Your downstairs neighbor,” I said.
“Ah.” Her small smile turned into a big one. “Do you need something already?”
You. Just you.
“Yeah, some of your free time today, if you can spare it.”
“Since someone bought all my inventory, I can give you some right now. I’m free until five.”
“Come with me to LA. You and Cork. Keep me company and help me load my stuff. I’ll buy us a picnic lunch. On the way back, we’ll stop at Castaway Cove and do some surfing. Get to know each other better. Cork can show me his moves.”
“I’ve never been to LA,” Cork said, his expression eager.
“I know that.” She gave her brother a firm look. “But I’ll get you there some other—”
“Please, Lotus.” His expression turned imploring.
“Sure. Okay.” Her expression softening, she caved. Cork might have cognitive deficiency, but not apparently when it came to getting his way. “But let me just call Saber. Let him know where I’ll be.”
I stiffened at the reference to my brother. Her boyfriend. I wanted to forget about him entirely when I was with her.
She withdrew her cell from the big bag she seemed to always tote around. Moving inside the apartment, my new apartment, she covered one ear with her free hand.
“Hey,” she said into her phone. “I know you’re probably in the studio by now. I don’t want to bother you while you’re working, but I wanted to leave you this message.”
How could she ever be a bother? Surely, he kept his phone nearby so he would never miss her call.
“I’m going to LA with Journey to help him move,” she said into her phone. “He’s taken the apartment beneath mine.” Her gaze flicked to me, and I saw the conflicted shimmer in her eyes. “Cork’s coming too. I’ll see you at five. I just thought you would probably want to know where I am. Love you. ’Bye.”
She crossed the room, biting her lip. “Okay, that’s done. I can go now. I’m ready.”
“Good.” I lifted my chin and waved my keys. “Who wants shotgun for the drive?”
“Me this time!” Cork shouted. “Lotus got it on the way over here.”
“You’re right.” I shrugged while looking at her. “Sorry, babe.”
She rolled her eyes. “We’re both shotguns. There’s only the one bench seat.”
“True. But you have to sit in the middle this time.” I waggled my brows. “Next to me. Think you can handle it?”
She lifted her chin. “I can handle anything you want to give me.”
Full of attitude, sexy as hell, her challenge made me want her more.
“Glad to hear that,” I said. “I’ll keep that in mind next time I offer to give you something of mine to handle.”
She sucked in a breath, getting my double meaning.
“I’ve got two boards in LA. Cork can use one of mine to surf. But it’s probably too much board for you.”
Pointing at the ceiling, she said, “I’ll go grab mine. And a couple of beach towels.” She started to move, then stopped and turned. “Do you have chairs?”
“I only have one beach chair.”
“Right.” Shaking her head, she gave me a sad look.
I did have a sorry solo existence. Just a little time in her presence, and that was already apparent.
“I’ll grab a couple,” she said, looking as eager as Cork now, just for