Page 77 of No Hope of Rescue

“Do I look like the kind of guy who doesn’t want to work? Hear me out. I want to make a contribution to the company. I’d like to purchase a helicopter for you. Something bigger than the Bell.”

“That is a generous offer, but—”

“But what? I think it’s great,” Riley says, coming up behind me and peering into the bag as she yawns.

“That was a quick nap.”

“I smelled food. Oh my God, Ross. What have you done?”

I load her plate with food and pull out a chair for her to sit.

“Oh my,” she says. “I could get used to this.”

Ross smiles.

“I’m part of this partnership, and I think it’s doable,” she says, picking up chopsticks.

“Think of me as a venture capitalist,” he says around a bite of food.

I have to smile. There’s no money in SAR and he knows it. Venture capital my ass.

“You didn’t get the grant,” he repeats.

“Well aware, thank you.”

“Why are you being such an asshole?”

“I’m not being an asshole.”

Riley cups a hand over her mouth to hide a laugh.

“Look, I can do this. You guys need a helicopter. I’ll buy you a helicopter. It’s not rocket science.” He starts to wiggle out of his sling. “Don’t make it weird.”

“Put that back on.”

“Fuck you. It’s coming off for good. I can’t stand it.”

I think fast. “If you put it back on, and keep it on, I’ll take the helicopter.” I grin.

Checkmate.

Riley drops her hand and laughs.

After we toast, I come up with one more condition must be met. I know he won’t like it, but it’s the only way this is going to work. I will need to speak with my brothers first though.

΅

After we clean up the dinner dishes, Ross leaves, scowling over his promise to keep the sling on. I get it. Riley sits on the sofa with an E.O. Wilson book about ants, and I finally march off to take a shower.

There’s been no discussion about me going home. But it’s her decision.

The water is hot, and though I have to be careful of my side, I’m able to wash it finally.

As I rub the mirror above the sink so I can brush my teeth, the door opens, and a draft of cool air sweeps in. I’ve already dressed in clean sweats, and my T-shirt is on her bed.

Riley comes up behind me, slides her arms under mine, and links her hands across my chest.

Her head rests against my bare back. I start to get hard.