My chest swells at listening to him. He never fails to amaze me with his level of caring. “I’m alright. Sorry that I’ve been quiet today. I spent almost the entire day clearing out the attic, and now I’m about to spend most of the night doing the same with the garage.”

“Damn, that sounds like a lot. Is… uh, is she helping?” It’s so cute how he gets so nervous asking me questions that involve her. Like I’m a ticking time bomb who may explode or I’ll suddenly get pissed at him for asking.

“No. She has a migraine, I guess. Went to bed like an hour ago.”

“Oh…” He’s quiet for a moment, but I can tell he wants to say more, so I give him time to get there. It doesn’t take long. “I can, you know, come help if you want. Since she’s asleep and wouldn’t know I was there. If not, that’s okay. It’s probably uncomfortable for you. But I don’t mind helping… if you, you know, need it.”

He’s rambling, and the smile on my face is so big, my cheeks hurt. I kind of love it when he gets flustered. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s adorable as hell.

“I’d love that. It would help me a lot. If you don’t mind.”

“Nah, I don’t mind at all. When should I head over?” I can hear the grin on his face through the phone.

“Now works, if you’re free.” My nerves are going haywire, knowing I get to see him soon. I know I should feel bad inviting him here while she’s sleeping, but it’s not like she’s down here wanting to help me.

“I’ll be right over.”

“Drive safe. See you soon.”

We hang up and it’s safe to say the smile on my face remains there until he arrives about fifteen minutes later. He parks down the street again, and I open the garage door for him so he can slip inside. His hands are in his pants pockets, and he looks nervous, like he doesn’t know how he should act around me while we’re at my house.

I put him out of his misery, tugging him into me until our bodies are flush and our lips are connected. He tastes like spearmint and nicotine when my tongue dips inside, and I can’t help the groan that comes out. We pull away after a few moments, but not before we both pop a boner.

“Thanks for coming,” I tell him, pushing a piece of hair out of his eyes.