Chapter Seventeen
Mike’s hiss of pain had Rin’s eyes popping open in confusion and her body lurching awkwardly away from him. His complexion had gone gray, his eyes squeezed tightly closed, and his lips pressed together so hard, the surrounding skin was ringed with white. Rin let out a little squeak of dismay, “Did I hurt you?”
Mike winced as he pulled in a gulp of air and shook his head, “I’m fine” he wheezed out, but his eyes were still closed and he looked anything but fine. How badly had she hurt him? Yes, she had thrown herself at him and he may not have been braced for the impact, but this seemed like more than having the wind unexpectedly knocked out of you. By the look of him, he was in some serious pain.
“Mike?”
Another shake of his head and then his eyes opened and he attempted a smile. “I’m sorry. I’m good.” Her expression must have conveyed her disbelief since he reached over to take her hand and deliver a little squeeze. “Really.” His face turned a bit sheepish, “Do you, ah, want to try that kiss again?”
Rin blinked, her mouth falling open and her look turning incredulous. No, she did not want to try that kiss again, no matter how adorable he looked at the moment. Right now, she still had no idea why he had been in so much pain and she wanted answers. Not bothering to answer his request, she focused on his statement. “You’re not fine. What happened?”
She waited for an explanation, her look expectant, and when it wasn’t immediately forthcoming – he actually diverted his gaze back to their lunch! – She tugged her hand loose, crossed her arms over her chest, and scowled. “Explain.”
Mike grimaced, looking uncomfortable and took a big bite of his sandwich. Rin wanted to snatch it out of his hand. She was about to tell him to stop stalling when he swallowed and one of his shoulders lifted in a small shrug. “Just bruised some ribs last night on the job. I would have slathered on some of my miracle cream if I didn’t think it would spoil your appetite.”
Rin ignored his attempt at humor, her gaze dropping to the injured area of his body. Her first thought was to inspect the area herself, but she didn’t voice that particular desire. “Did you go to the ER?”
Mike took another bite, chewed, and swallowed before he answered. “Tim was with me, he’s a paramedic so he checked me over. Nothing a doc could do for me but to tell me to take some pain killers which I’m doing.” He shrugged again, his lack of concern for his health grating a bit on her nerves, then he nudged his chin toward the food. “You should eat. Your lunch break is almost over and I’d rather hear more about how your new job is going.”
Rin wanted to argue. She wanted to tell him that he should at least have some x-rays taken. What if he had some fractures? But she was a sucker for that boyish grin. With a little huff of irritation, she picked up her sandwich and took a bite, letting the subject drop for now.
Mike had her back to the office right on time. His truck was warm, her belly was full and she was feeling pretty mellow. Rin let out a contented sigh. She would have loved a nap right about then, but she still had files waiting for her. She was trying to convince herself to exit the vehicle when she suddenly remembered the key to the garage Mike had left for her. “Oh, I have your key.” Turning her head, she dug into her coat pocket. With a grin she pulled it loose and turned to give it to Mike, only to find him leaning in close. His gloveless hand cupped her cheek and Rin’s breath caught as his lips touched hers. She closed her eyes and opened her senses as his mouth moved so carefully over hers. He sucked her bottom lip gently between his teeth and Rin nearly groaned. Her fingers were digging into his coat, gripping, afraid he would stop before she was ready.
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. Mike pulled back slightly with a smile and kissed her nose while she took a ragged breath. “Keep the key,” he murmured, “So you don’t have to worry about missing your workout if I’m on a call.”
Rin could only nod, her focus on his mouth and wanting to kiss him again. So she saw the words form before she actually heard his next question. “Will you come by after work tonight?”
“Yes,” came out as a dreamy sigh, and the wide stretch of Mike’s pleased smile had her giving herself a mental shake. She needed to focus, she had work to do, but tonight… She still had the groceries she had purchased the night before, so tonight she’d make good use of them and make Mike dinner. A real date, hopefully with more of those wonderful kisses. “I’ll make dinner?”
Rin didn’t think it was possible, but Mike’s smile grew even wider, his hazel eyes lighting with such pleasure as he nodded that Rin couldn’t help but feel giddy. If she didn’t get out of his truck right now, she’d be throwing herself on him again. With a quick laugh of pure joy at his expression, Rin couldn’t resist leaning in for a kiss goodbye that lasted all of a second before she jumped out of the truck. Grinning like a lunatic she turned and waved goodbye before heading back into the office.
She was still grinning when she reached her desk and shed her coat, and she was still grinning when Ginny leaned her head into the office. Ginny’s smile was positively devilish, “I was going to ask how lunch went, but judging from that look on your face, I’d say it went pretty well.”
Rin collapsed into her chair, her hands coming up to clutch against her chest, and a dreamy expression lit her face. “He kissed me.”
“Well, I’d say so. Look at you, gushing all over the place. Does my heart good to see it. You and Mike are both good people and you both deserve to be happy.”
Placing her elbows on the desk, Rin leaned her chin into her hands. Her face was starting to hurt from all the smiling, but she wouldn’t change it for the world. “I’m making him dinner tonight.”
Ginny sat down in the visitor chair on the other side of the desk and mirrored Rin’s pose, her eyebrows moving up and down comically. “Dinner and a movie? What are the young ones calling it? Netflix and chill?”
Rin snorted a laugh, shaking her head, but Ginny kept on, “Do you need some movie recommendations? Something sexy and romantic? Maybe a little Fifty Shades to get the blood flowing?”
Rin couldn’t stop laughing. Her eyes were watering, her face had gone from ‘starting to hurt’ to downright achy, and she was possibly in danger of peeing herself a little, but this feeling was absolutely wonderful. She couldn’t remember the last time she was this happy. It felt like her life was finally settling into place.