kept up with her studies, and continued to pay for her practice number, in the hopes that she could one day step into the career that she had abandoned in favor of Blaine.
“Paperwork?”
“Yes.” She hoped he would respect the finality in her voice and not probe any further.
“Okay.” A long pause before he dislodged some of the gravel in his throat and refocused his attention to the snoozing dog on the floor. “Come on, Monster Mutt, it’s bedtime. I’m sorry for the intrusion, Charity.”
Her throat went dry at the sound of her name in that quiet, gruff voice but this time she didn’t protest his use of it. There was no point in clinging to that extra layer of decorum. It had been hard enough thinking of him as Mr. Hollingsworth before his dog began bringing her his underwear as gifts.
“I didn’t mind,” she said, feeling her lips tilt upward in a small smile. It had been so long since she had smiled spontaneously that the movement felt unfamiliar. “She was just being friendly.”
“I didn’t think you liked her. Well, dogs in general actually.”
“I like dogs. But I didn’t think it was prudent to become too attached to her. In case you changed your mind.”
There was a short, awkward silence and Charity wondered if she had offended him.
“Why would I change my mind?”
“You’re a busy man. I thought maybe, after you had time to think about it, you’d decide you didn’t have the time for a puppy
“I wouldn’t do that.”
“I’ve come to appreciate that. And I apologize for the unfair assumption.”
He looked uncomfortable and acknowledged her apology with a curt nod. He bent to scoop Stormy up, and Charity felt a pang of envy as the dog snuggled against that strong, beautiful, naked chest.
“Have a good night, Charity.”
“You too.”
He turned to leave, but Charity spotted the abandoned cotton boxer briefs on her sofa and grabbed them without thinking.
“Miles.”
He whirled around at the sound of his name. His intense gaze honed in on her face.
“Yes?”
“Don’t forget these.” His eyes dropped to her hand and his cheeks actually flushed.
“Christ,” he muttered, and yanked the underwear from her hand. “I’m so sorry. Truly. They’re clean, I put them out to wear after my shower.”
“You do know that I do your laundry, right?” He seemed so charmingly flustered that she couldn’t resist teasing him. He shot her an appalled look, his face a study in consternation and mortification.
“Fuck…I…goodnight.”
“Goodnight…sir.” Oh, she was feeling so damned brave. She already knew that this blushing, near naked man, with the puppy clutched to his chest didn’t scare her. And now she was testing the limits of her courage by teasing him. She couldn’t remember the last time she had teased a man. Or just enjoyed being around one.
“Watch it, Mrs. Cole. Or I may ask you to teach me how to make pancakes tomorrow.”
“I can do that.” The impulsive words were out before she could stop them. But when she considered them, she recognized that she was happy enough with the offer. She was even looking forward to it.
“You can?”
“Sure. But not tomorrow.”
“Oh yes, because of the cleaning service, right?”
The cleaning service would be in for their fortnightly visit tomorrow. And they would probably stay all day. Charity had already informed Miles that his breakfast would have to be a hit and run affair in the morning.
“I thought, if it’s a nice day, I’d take Stormy to the beach,” he said. “Would you like to join us?”
“I have to oversee the cleaning staff.” She didn’t really have to, because they were employed by an independent company, and would have their usual on-site supervisor accompanying them. Charity always felt superfluous when they were here. They were so fast, efficient, and reliable.
In fact, she usually took the day off when they were scheduled to come.
“Let me know if you change your mind. Stormy and I would both enjoy your company.”
He left before she could reply.
Bacon, one egg—sunny side up—mushrooms, and toast. Aside from the hot breakfast awaiting him at his usual spot in the kitchen the following morning, there was no sign of Charity.
Miles tried not to be disappointed by her absence and sat to have his solitary breakfast. He didn’t know why he had expected to see her this morning. Perhaps because last night had felt like a breakthrough in their odd relationship. A tacit acknowledgment that perhaps they were ready to explore the limits of what they could say and do to each other.