Page 52 of Rune
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Carmen
I could have just gone down to the lobby.
I was reasonably sure the bar in the restaurant might even still be open.
But when it became clear that my sister wanted to be alone with the new guy who’d become obsessed with her (in just an afternoon—almost a new record), I didn’t take the elevator down.
I crossed the hall.
Then I knocked softly on Rune’s door and told myself that if he didn’t hear me, I would just… go hang in the lobby.
But the door opened… and there he was. In nothing but his damn black boxer briefs.
My skin felt too tight.
A low throb pulsed between my hips, steady as a second heartbeat.
“Maybe this was a bad idea,” I murmured to myself.
“Why’s that?” Rune asked, his arm raising to the doorjamb, the movement making his muscles tense. My mouth went dry.
“I, um, Sofia has company. It was getting clear I was in the way.”
“Won’t be in the way here,” he said, pushing the door wider but not moving from where he was towering over me.
I drew in a steadying breath, which did absolutely nothing to calm the frantic flutter of my heart or ease the pressure on my lower stomach.
Then I squeezed in through the gap in the door, my whole front brushing against him in the process. The lazy smile that he shot at me said it was exactly his intention.
“Didn’t bring the dog?”
“She’s asleep on my bed. I love her, and I know she has love for me, but that’s Sofia’s soul dog.”
“Is she going to California with your sister?”
“Yeah. I mean, Sofia has to find a place first. But she would never settle for an apartment where she can’t have her dog. Don’t,” I said when he winced.
“Don’t what?”
“Don’t look sorry for me. I always wanted Sofia’s career to take off. And it was clear during week one that Hammy was more attached to Sof than me. It’s okay. I’m fine.”
“It’s okay to not be fine.”
“But I am,” I objected, making my way to his window.
“You lost your father, your mother, your best friend, and you are going to be saying goodbye to your sister and dog soon. It’s practically one of those old-school country songs.”
That dragged a snort out of me.
“I’m not losing Sof. She’s just moving.”
“And you’ll be alone for the first time in your life.”
“I’m a grown woman. I can live alone.”
“I’m not saying you can’t. I’m saying it’s okay to be unsure about the life change. Or sad about it.”
