Page 48 of Now Until Forever
“We could do a load of laundry at your place.” He slung an arm around her shoulders.
Eliana rolled her eyes, trying not to wince at her bruises. “You’re ridiculous.”
“It would be less ridiculous if you just moved out of your place and lived in my guest room. You could help me with the payment.”
“Absolutely not. You’re nuts.” It hurt a little to say it.
Not because she wanted to be his roommate, but because of what it represented that he’d said that. He only considered her a friend—or a sister.
He didn’t think it would cross a line for her to live in his house. Because for him it wouldn’t. Carlos didn’t think of her in those terms.
She climbed into the passenger side of his truck, not wanting to be distracted by the feelings she’d had for him ages ago. Or the terrible way it had ended.
He pulled out of the parking lot and drove them to her building.
“If I moved, who would check on Patience and make sure she’s all right?” she asked.
Carlos shrugged, his hand gripping the wheel, showing her the strength in his arm that she didnotneed to notice. “Maybe she’s the one who should move in with me.”
Eliana rolled her eyes, but that actually wasn’t such a bad idea. “Is there room for all three of us?”
Carlos cleared his throat. “Let’s forget this whole conversation. I’ve come to my senses.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means I’m glad I found enough of a filter to not respond to that.” Carlos shook his head, and she smiled. He continued, “The compound is wearing off, finally. I’ve been saying exactly what I think for hours. It’s been interesting to say the least. I think I gave a couple of the nurses my number. Or Halstood’s.”
At her building, she grabbed her mail and had him hold Patience’s while she closed both boxes.
“Thanks.” She held out her hand for the bundle of mail.
“I’ve got it.” He climbed the stairs beside Eliana. “There isn’t an elevator?”
“There is. I like walking. It’s part of the ritual of getting home and trudging up the stairs. Knowing,I’m close. I did it. I finished my day, and now I get to relax.” She remembered Maizie’s call—and then seeing that woman she sort of recognized. “You need to call Maizie back. I’ll order a pizza.”
“Sounds good.”
A thud came from above them.
Eliana picked up her pace, and noted Carlos did the same. In her mind she prayed nothing had happened to Patience, even though part of her had been expecting it for a while now.
Almost to her floor, she heard a scream.
“The Dreamers.” Carlos handed her the mail without looking. “Go in Patience’s apartment and lock the door.”
“I’m not leaving you to deal with whatever this is by yourself.” She wanted to curl up on the floor and start crying. Today had been the longest day ever and she was beyond exhausted.
He slid a pistol from the holster at the small of his back.
“I lost my knife today.” She wanted it back. Tony would have to get it for her.
Carlos tipped his head. “Go in Patience’s apartment.”
She didn’t love his hard tone when he said that, but before she could argue that he was the one who’d been dosed with a compound today and she was fully capable of backing him up, the door to the Dreamers’ apartment flung open and hit the wall.
A woman dashed out, wearing only underwear. Blood on her hands and face and a crazed look in her expression.
Carlos said, “Ma’am.”
