The Healing Touch - Apryl Baker Page 0,37

toilet?”

“Of course not.”

“Then stop stealing my damn fries.”

He paused, fry midway to his mouth, and then he dropped it, horror flowing into his expression. “Shit.”

Becca laughed so hard she had to turn away so she could double over. Shit was definitely the word to use, considering what duck fat did to him.

“What’s so funny?” Sara demanded.

Dimitri stared at the plate of duck fries with utter disgust. Dammit. How many had he eaten before she stopped him?

“He said shit,” Becca gasped, and Dimitri shot her a look so hostile, it had Sara raising her eyebrows at him.

“It’s not that funny.”

“Yes, yes, it is.”

His scowl turned slightly evil right before he attacked her rib cage, tickling her for all he was worth.

“Stop!” Becca wheezed, but she was trapped between him and the wall. He kept up his assault until she cried uncle.

“That is what you get for being mean to your best friend.” He sat back, a smug grin dominating his face.

“That wasn’t fair!” She wiped the tears from her eyes. Dimitri was so dead later.

“I told you once already, Rebecca. I don’t play fair.”

Becca’s laughter died when she heard the seriousness in his voice. A quick peek confirmed his own laughter had fled. He was staring at her with an intensity that stole her breath.

“Ahem…” Sara cleared her throat. “I think that’s my cue to say goodbye.”

“We’ll see you later tonight, Sara Jane.” Dimitri disconnected the call without even bothering to say goodbye and turned his full attention on her. Those blue eyes that had been dancing with laughter were now serious and ominous. “Let’s head back to the hotel. We do have a lot of work to do, but I also want to talk to you about last night and this morning.”

“I’d really rather not talk about it.”

“Tough shit, Becca. We’re talking.” He signaled the waiter for their check and carry-out boxes for the rest of their food.

Talking was the last thing she wanted to do, but it looked like Dimitri wasn’t going to let her hide from this any more than he was going to let her hide away in her apartment, content to stay there safe and sound from the world.

She had a feeling it was going to be a come-to-Jesus moment for them both, and one she wasn’t looking forward to.

Chapter Nine

They rode back to the hotel in silence. The quiet only made Becca more and more nervous. Dimitri was never quiet. It was one of the reasons she loved talking to him. He didn’t know how to shut up. All she had to do was toss in something wherever it was appropriate.

This, though? He hadn’t looked at her once since they got in the Jeep. His eyes never left the road. What was running through his head? Lust. That much she knew. Even if she’d wanted to deny it, this morning proved otherwise. He’d said yesterday he wanted something he knew he couldn’t have, and he’d been referring to her. Another fact no one had to point out.

The problem was she wanted him too, but she also loved him. Dimitri loved her, but it was more like a sister or that best friend who’d be there forever. Becca was in love with him. If they took their relationship to a more intimate, physical one, it would break her knowing he’d never return her feelings.

It would ruin their friendship for that very reason.

Dimitri might be able to do the whole friends with benefits thing, but she couldn’t. How was she going to tell him no? Her body screamed yes, but her heart and her mind? They were yelling at her in shouty caps, NO!

When they pulled up to the front of the hotel, she got out quickly, but Dimitri sat there. She looked through the windshield and noticed sweat beaded his forehead. She opened the door and leaned in. “You okay?”

He gave her a curt nod and got out. He took his time coming around, and she spotted his slight limp. His legs were bothering him. That was why he’d been so quiet, not because of some sexual tension between them. She berated herself as she met him and slipped an arm around him. Here she’d gone and wrapped herself up in her own worries, and her best friend was in pain. She should have offered to drive.

Dimitri leaned into her, and they made their way to the elevators. He didn’t say anything until they got back to their room, and then he collapsed on the small