Read Online After the Fall by L.A. Witt - Free Book Online Page A

tonight, I had Ryan to help me— oh God, those shoulders —so I didn’t break my neck.
    Once Ryan had helped me to the couch, and I was getting myself situated with pillows and such, he left to get the groceries out of the truck. He returned just as I’d finally gotten myself comfortable.
    “Doing okay?” he asked, toeing the door shut as he balanced the bags on his arms.
    “Yeah, as long as I don’t have to move anytime soon.”
    He laughed. “You’re fine where you are. I’ll put these away for you.”
    “You sure? Brad will be home shortly, so I could have him do it.”
    “Brad?” Ryan stopped in his tracks and raised his eyebrows. “Your . . .?”
    “Roommate,” I said.
    “Oh.”
    I waved a hand. “Not my boyfriend, if that’s what you were thinking. I haven’t had one of those in a while.”
    Ryan laughed. “Neither have I.”
    Aha. So he is gay.
    Right. Because the lingering eye contact over dinner and the excuse to stay out a little longer hadn’t been a goddamned clue.
    “Well. Um. Anyway.” I cleared my throat and gestured toward the kitchen. “Just leave everything on the counter.”
    “Really? It’ll only take a minute.”
    I hesitated, but then shrugged. “It’s up to you. I don’t want to be a slave driver or something.”
    “Don’t worry about it.” He continued toward the kitchen. “I’ll take care of it. Won’t take a minute.”
    In the kitchen, plastic bags rustled. The pantry and refrigerator doors opened and closed. I was almost embarrassingly obsessive about where everything was stored, but I forced myself to take a few deep breaths and not worry about it. Ryan was doing me a massive favor. The Wheat Thins would not be rendered inedible if they ended up on the second pantry shelf instead of the third, and I would not break out in hives if a soup can wasn’t turned label out.
    A few minutes later, he came out of the kitchen. “That should hold you for a little while, I think.”
    “Thanks. I really appreciate it.”
    “Don’t mention it.” He glanced at the clock on the DVD player. “I should really get going, though. It’s an early morning for me.”
    “Oh, shit. I hope I didn’t keep you out too late.”
    “Nah, you’re fine. But I’d better roll out. Do you, um, need anything before I go?” He pointed over his shoulder with his thumb. “From the kitchen or anything?”
    “No, I’ll be okay. Brad will be home pretty soon.” I paused. “And, um, thanks again. For everything. Especially what you’re doing with Tsarina. It’s . . . it’s a big help.”
    “Don’t mention it. I’m happy to help.”
    “Well, thanks.”
    “You’re welcome.” He took out his truck keys and spun them on his finger. “And thanks for dinner.”
    “You’re welcome.” I smiled. “I enjoyed the company.”
    “Me too.”
    Silence tried to set in. I was about to say something to fill the void, but Ryan beat me to it.
    “Do you, um, want to get something to eat tomorrow night?” His cheeks darkened slightly. “I mean, to get out of the apartment? Not a date?”
    But can it be a date? “Sure. You want to ride again?”
    “Yes, definitely.”
    “Great.” I paused. “And, actually, I’m going back to work tomorrow. I work in town, in the Light District. If it’s easier for you, we can meet there instead of having you come all the way out here.”
    “Whatever’s easiest for you.” He kept playing with his truck keys. “My apartment’s not far from the Light District. I’ll need to grab a shower after work, but then I can come pick you up.” He lifted his gaze and met my eyes.
    “I’m off at five.”
    Ryan smiled. “I’ll see you then. Text me the address?”
    “Will do.”
    “Great.” He glanced at the door. “So, um, I’d better go. Do you want me to lock it on my way out?”
    “Don’t worry about it. This building’s safe enough.”
    He nodded once. “Okay. Well, I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night.”
    “Good night.”
    After the front