"I'm pleased to hear that, Ms. Christopher. At least I won't fear for my life, sleeping out on the roadside. Do you have an extra umbrella or not?" He asked.
I suddenly understood. The poor man. He thought I was going to toss him back into the rain and make him sleep in his car. As if I could treat my worst enemy in that fashion. I almost wanted to laugh, but restrained myself.
"Don't be silly. You needn't sleep in your car. You can stay here, on the sofa. As if on cue, we both glanced over at my old couch. The lumps looked even larger than usual to me and I had no doubt that his feet would hang well over the edge. I might feel sorry for him...if he wasn't such a bullheaded pain in the neck. Besides, it certainly beat his alternatives. After the way he'd insulted me tonight-all in the name of his "quest" he was lucky I'd allowed him to stay at all".
He must have been thinking the same."Thank you. That's a kind offer. All things considered."
"Yes. All things considered, it is, isn't it? I brushed by and headed up the stairs to get some bedding. Then I remembered that his clothes were probably still wet and would be horribly uncomfortable. "Would you like a dry T-shirt or something" I asked, stopping halfway up the stairs. "Uh..sure. That would be excellent," he replied,
Beeming surprised at my thoughtfulness. "That is, if you can find one that will fit me."I think I can dig up something." I replied as I continued up the stairs. I had some super large T-shirts on hand that I used for cover-up while exercising or when I took Noah to the town pool. One of them should be large enough to fit my unexpected houseguest, I thought.
There might even be some baggy sweatpants around, too.
I gathered the necessary bedding, clean towels.
Some toiletry items I thought he'd find useful and also a large black T-shirt and grey sweatpants. I retuned with my armload to find Brian in the rocking chair, his head tipped back, his eyes closed.
He was breathing heavily-practically snoring, I noted. But in sleep, his stern expression had relaxed, displaying his appealing features to full advantage. He'd opened his shirt to the waist, and I felt myself blushing as I surveyed the contours of his muscular chest, covered with whorls of dark hair down to his flat belly.
Easy girl, I coached myself, as I pulled my gaze away. I released a small, quiet sigh, dumped .My burden on the armchair, then quickly made up the bed.
I left the towels and other necessities on the end table, then stood next to Brian. He was sleeping so deeply, I wondered if I should wake him.
Then I thought I should, since I knew he'd wake up with a permanent dent in his back if he spent the rest of the night in that rocker, which certainly would not improve his cranky disposition.
I leaned over him." Brian?"I called quietly. He didn't open his eyes immediately, though I did notice a small smile shape his lips and guessed he had heard me."Come on, Brian. Time for bed, I called".
She leaned Over him.Jackson she called qui-again, leaning closer. "Olivia ..." he murmured. I liked the way he said my name. As if he'd been calling to her in a dream. But when he added, "Yes...let's get to bed, honey.." I straightened to my full height.
He suddenly blinked, coughed and stared up at .Me, his relaxed, soft smile replaced by a guarded look. "Guess I fell asleep," he mumbled. He rubbed his face with his hand.
Guess so," I agreed. "The couch is ready, and There are a few things you might need on the end table. The bathroom is that way, just go left at the kitchen."
"Left at the kitchen, he repeated groggily."Don't worry, I'll find it. Thanks again for the bunk.... No need to tuck me in," he teased.
"That's a relief" I replied under my breath. I turned on my heel and started for the stairs. "See you in the morning."
"Yes, tomorrow, he choed ominously. He got up from the rocker and stretched his long arms and legs. "Your wedding day, Of course, maybe my arrival on the scene has put a damper on the plans? Either way, I'll guarantee you that you won't be rid of me until I find my brother. I'll camp out in your living room if I have to."
"What a thought," I replied. I met his determined gaze, then looked away. Oh, dear, He was back on that again, was he? I honestly didn't know how long she could keep up the charade.
I was suddenly tempted to admit all, then decided to leave my confessions for the bold light of day. There was no predicting how he might react. He might take off in the dead of night, still determined to hunt Will and Faith down.
No, let him stay right here in my living room where I could keep my eye on him. And let him believe that I was the hopeful bride.
After all, I reasoned, a man like Brian Adams deserved at least one torturous night on.My sofa for trying to prevent my dear sister's wedding.