Read Online More by Clare James - Free Book Online

outlined for you.”
    “And he wasn’t mad or irritated?”
    “Not in the slightest. I’d say his mood was more of the concerned variety.”
    “So, what time tomorrow?” I exhale.
    “Ten bells, sweetheart. Tabby helped me pick out your clothes for your first day before she left.”
    “Aww.” I can’t help the whine. “She left without saying goodbye.”
    “Oh, she said goodbye alright. She climbed into bed with you for like a half hour. See?” He holds up his phone displaying a picture of Tabby cuddling up to me while I slept.
    “We already washed your hair. I’ll help you pull it back tomorrow. And Tabby dropped off a few of these funky bags we can put over your cast so you can take a shower before I drop you off.”
    “Oh my God. You really have this all worked out, don’t you? What about the restaurant? You can’t put everything on hold for me, Foster. This job is huge for you.”
    “It’s fine,” I tell her. “I don’t go in until later on Mondays anyway. Everything is perfect. Tonight, I want you to eat, relax, and not worry about a thing. Can you do that?”
    “I guess there’s nothing for me to worry about.”
    Except keeping my hands off this gorgeous man in my apartment.
    “Okay, good. Now hush up and watch some TV or something. I’m going to finish making dinner.”
    His words warm my heart.
    Foster hums while he cooks…and dances a little. I catch his sweet ass shaking a few times, making my belly flutter.
    The door to our little fire escape balcony is open and I can smell the lavender. Crap, my poor little guys haven’t been watered in at least two days. I interrupt Foster’s ass shaking to grab a watering can for my herb garden.
    “I already watered today,” he says when I reach for the can.
    Who is this guy?
    I’m not sure, but I like him. A lot.
    “You can grab me a sprig of the lemon basil though,” he says touching my shoulders, and handing me a small dish for my harvest.
    “Okay.”
    The sun is still pretty high in the sky; we have at least two hours before it’ll set. My herbs look and smell fabulous. Foster’s taken such good care of everything. I cut some basil and bring it into him and can’t resist the urge to kiss his cheek.
    “What was that for?”
    “For being you,” I tell him. “For taking care of me.”
    “I could do this for the entire summer and it still wouldn’t be enough,” he says with sad eyes.
    “Stop.”
    He does, but still pulls me in for a kiss on top of my head.
    I set the table and Foster brings out the feast. A green salad with pear and pecans. Penne pasta with chicken and asparagus, and a bunch of other yummy stuff like rosemary bread with real butter. I’m in heaven.
    We have an incredible meal and then cozy up on the sofa and watch TV. I start to doze off within minutes. My strength still isn’t up, and I’m so thankful to Foster for negotiating a light day at my internship tomorrow.
    It’s the perfect evening. Until we get ready for bed and Foster goes into Tabby’s room. I barge in and raise my eyebrows to him.
    “Jules, you need your rest,” he says, not meeting my eyes.
    “Yes, and the best way to get that is to have you next to me.”
    “Maybe for you.” He laughs.
    “I promise I won’t molest you in your sleep.”
    “I’m not sure I can confidently agree to the same.”
    “Please,” I beg.
    “I don’t want to mess things up, J.”
    I feel guilty when I pull out the big guns—the pout. But not as bad as I’d feel sleeping alone.
    “Okay, I understand,” I say, quietly walking away.
    “Ughhh,” he yells, on my heels now.
    Yes!
    “You are messing with my mind, woman,” he says before agreeing to share my bed. I know not to push him. I keep my hands to myself, but as I’m drifting off, his arm snakes around my waist. I lift my head to rest on his bicep; it’s curled up waiting for me. Then I fall sound asleep.
    ~~~
    After needing extensive help getting dressed in the morning, I’m surprised we make it out