Stepping inside, he tried to see it through her eyes. His living room was not much bigger than what had been in her apartment but sported a wide window overlooking the water. His kitchen was larger, updated, and open to a four-seat dining room table. A hall ran down the middle leading to two bedrooms, the larger one having an en suite bathroom, and a smaller bathroom at the end of the hall. Just behind the kitchen was a utility room that included shelves for storage, a washer, a dryer, and a pantry. Giving her a grand tour, which didn’t take very long, they ended up in the hall between the two bedrooms. Hesitating, he cupped her cheek and said, “I want you to be comfortable here, Jeannie. So, the choice is completely yours as to which bedroom you want to be in. I’d like you to be in my bed, but there is no pressure on you. If this is going too fast and you’d rather have some space, the other bedroom is for you, as well.”
Lifting on her toes, she kissed his jaw, and he pulled her close, loving the delicate touch of her lips on him.
“As long as you don’t mind, I’d like to share your room and your bed.”
Picking her up, he twirled her just like before, this time holding her in place as his mouth devoured hers. Finally, dragging his lips away, he set her feet gently on the floor. “Jeannie, I really hate to do this, but I’ve got to head over and talk to my people—”.
Her fingers on his mouth hushed his words. “Honey, don’t apologize. This is your life. This is your work. And if you and I are going to be successful at being a couple, then we’re not going to be spending twenty-four-seven together. So, go. Go fight the bad guys. I’ll get unpacked and settled. I need to call my mom and let her know that I’m staying with a friend. I promise I won’t give her any information. Same with my brother. And just so you know, I was ready to tell HR that I was coming back, so if that’s on hold, I need to start looking for another nursing job. So, believe me, I’ve got plenty to keep me busy.”
“Damn, babe, could you be any more perfect?”
Winking, she laughed. “Oh, don’t get your hopes up that I’m this perfect all the time.” Then, making a shooing motion with her hands, she repeated, “Go. Go fight the bad guys.”
Heart lighter than it had been in longer than he could remember, he kissed her hard and fast, then headed out the door.
Jeannie stood in the middle of Carson’s living room after he left, suddenly uncertain of what she was doing or what she should do. “Well, I’m here, so there’s no reason to wonder about my decision now.” Having spoken that practical statement out loud, she decided to unpack. Curious about where he’d disappeared to, having not seen any other buildings other than the lighthouse and house, she shoved those thoughts to the side. Her years as a nurse and in the military had taught her the need for confidentiality. He’ll let me know what he wants me to know when he wants me to know it.
She looked to see he’d already taken the food out of her insulated carrier and put it in his refrigerator. Heading back to his bedroom, she grinned as she looked around the utilitarian space. The queen bed with a short wooden headboard, blue and gray comforter. I suppose he’s not really a pillow sham kind of person. There was one wooden dresser in the room but it didn't match the headboard. Opening the door to the closet, she found a small space with a light and just enough room on the bar for her to hang some clothes. Hanging only a few items that she didn’t want to wrinkle, she decided to leave the rest in the suitcase, laying it on the floor of the closet.
Stepping into the bathroom, she saw that it was updated with a large shower and double sink. She placed her toothbrush and hairbrush on the counter, leaving everything else in her toiletry bag, finding a space under the sink to stow it.
With those simple tasks complete, she went back to the living room and grabbed her laptop. After firing off a quick email to both her mom and brother explaining that she was spending several nights with a friend, she checked her emails, sighing at the sight of one from LA Community Hospital HR. Squeezing her eyes tight, she decided to start looking for another nursing position. Tomorrow. I’ll do that tomorrow.
A knock on the door startled her, and she leaped to her feet. Instantly feeling foolish considering no one would be looking for her at Carson’s place, she walked to the door and pulled it open.
On the stoop was an attractive woman with a wide smile. Her dark brown hair was sprinkled with silver, worn shoulder length. Black slacks with a neat crease were paired with a pale green sweater twinset, and she looked as though she should be lunching at a country club except for the grocery bags dangling in her hands.
“You must be Jeannie. I’m Rachel. Rachel Moore. I’m the administrative assistant for LSI-WC.”
Blinking at the woman’s rapid-fire manner of speech, she jerked slightly before greeting, “Yes, I’m Jeannie. It’s nice to meet you, Rachel.” Her gaze dropped to the grocery bags. “Please come in.”
“When Carson called me, I came by to make sure everything was in order. To be honest, he keeps this place military neat, but I think he was worried about how it might look to you. I also took the liberty of checking his pantry and refrigerator.” Rolling her eyes, she shook her head. “Definitely, his cupboards were a little bare. So, I brought a few things over to make sure that your stay is comfortable before you have a chance to grocery shop yourself.”
By the time Rachel had finished her explanation, she’d already made it into Carson’s kitchen, setting the bags onto the counter. Uncertain if she should help or if Rachel was used to handling things herself, Jeannie hesitated.
Rachel smiled and said, “I’ll leave these here for you. I’m sure you’ll have certain places you’d like things to be. This is your space as much as Carson’s now.”
Hearing those words should have brought comfort, but instead, sent panic racing through her blood. “Oh, I’m just here… well, for a… um…” Hating to babble, she clamped her mouth shut and winced. With no one to talk to about her situation, she felt lost.
Her voice softer, Rachel encouraged, “If you have a few minutes, we can sit and chat.”
The air rushed from her lungs as she nodded. “I’d like that.”
They settled in the living room after Jeannie made mugs of tea from the stash she’d brought. She sat in the chair, her legs drawn up underneath her, her fingers wrapped around the steaming mug. “I suppose you know about everything going on, don’t you?”
“Jeannie, I’d go so far as to say that there is nothing that happens at LSI-WC that I don’t know about. So, yes, I know how you’ve gone to great lengths to take care of Margaret. I know how you put yourself in danger trying to make sure nothing happens to her. I also know that you’ve received the interest and, if I might add, the devotion of my boss.” She took a sip of tea before setting the mug down on the coffee table. Leaning forward, she held Jeannie’s eyes. “Please don’t misunderstand me. My loyalty and duty are to Carson and LSI-WC. But woman to woman… he’s one of the best men I’ve ever known, and I’m thrilled that he’s finally found someone that makes him think of a life outside of work.” She sat back, a knowing smile playing about her lips. “And also woman to woman, as with any man, he can be pigheaded, clueless, apt to snap and snarl before realizing he needs to apologize—”