I wasn’t going to push the matter. Nakyra had been with Rome for years; I couldn’t expect her to drop everything and give me a chance after a couple of months. I would continue being here for her and enjoying the time we spent together until it was time for me to head home for good.
Chapter 18
Nakyra
Bella walked next to me as I moved up and down the aisles of the grocery store. Having her with me when I was out and about made it easier for me. Even with my aids it was still hard to hear when I was in a busy space. She wore her service dog vest so everyone knew not to approach her and that she was allowed. I brushed the aid on my right ear. A couple people gave me funny looks when I was out, but I had grown used to them and learned to ignore them. Unfortunately having her with me was like a big red sign telling everyone something was wrong with me.
Tonight I wanted to do something special for Creed. The past two nights he had been gone until early in the morning. I was sure he was with the girl I saw him with. When he suggested we give us a try, it’d caught me off guard. The attraction between us was clear. Rock climbing was some of the most fun I’d had in a long time. When he caught me, my whole body jolted as if it had been hit by electricity. The sound of his heartbeat against me caused my pulse to ripple in excitement. My skin tingled from his touch. When he spoke positivity into me and showed protectiveness toward me it made a knot of emotion burn in my center. He made me feel things even Rome hadn’t before. That scared me.
There was no way I could agree to go out with him knowing I was due to get married to his brother in less than six months. I couldn’t betray Rome like that. He wasn’t perfect and had his flaws, but he didn’t deserve that. Yet, Creed even suggesting it sent explosive currents racing through me. Just because I had to turn him down didn’t mean I couldn’t do something nice for him.
“Okay just a couple more things, Bella, and then we can leave.” Bella’s head tipped up at me and her tail wagged eagerly.
After we left the store I was going to meet my wedding planner, then I felt like I had to try at the hospital again. Guilt had been clawing at me and I hoped seeing Rome would ease it.
I continued moving through the store until I was finished and walked to the checkout.
Once finished we walked out of the grocery store to my car.
“What the hell!” I cried, abandoning the cart and rushing to my front passenger side wheel with Bella at my side. Kneeling, I examined the wheel. I brushed my hand over it and released a sigh, I must have run something over on my way here.
Groaning, I tried to think. I’d never gotten a replacement tire put back in my car after using it a few months back.
“Damnit,” I cursed, standing and walking back to the cart. Grabbing my purse I pulled my phone out and went to call AAA. While on the phone with them I opened the door and let Bella in the car and sat in the driver’s seat with my door closed.
“Now what?” I mumbled once I was finished.
I went to my contacts and was about to call Summer when my eyes landed on Creed’s name. My stomach stirred as my finger hovered over it. I wasn’t sure if he would answer or even be willing to come get me, but I decided to try. Twisting my lips to the side, I clicked his name and waited for the call to connect.
“Hello?” he answered after a couple rings.
I swallowed around the knot in my throat and spoke. “Creed, hey. Are you busy?”
“Nah, just leaving the gym. Wassup?”
“I’m at the grocery store and caught a flat tire. AAA is on the way, but I don’t have a spare tire, can you?—”
“Send me the address and I’m on the way.” He hung up before I could finish. Pulling the phone back I stared at it, fighting back a smile before sending him my location.
“Am I wrong, Bella?” I laid my head on the steering wheel and turned to face her.
She blinked at me before releasing a bark. “If I entertain anything with Creed, it wouldn’t be right, right?” Even though I knew she couldn’t respond I still waited as if she could.
It took about fifteen minutes for Creed to get here and another ten for AAA. They gave me the information to where they were taking my car then pulled off. Creed had loaded my groceries into his truck by the time I finished talking to the tow driver.
“I hope you don’t mind Bella.” I pulled the seat belt over me.
“Nah, she’s a good girl.” He smiled, reaching behind him and rubbing her head.
“Yeah she is.” I glanced at Bella. She was such a big baby when she was getting attention. “Thanks for coming to get me. I hope I’m not taking you from anything.”
He faced me. “You’re good. I was about to head to the house, shower, and lay down.”
“You know… now that you mention it, you are a little ripe.” It was a joke as I bunched my face up.
“Haha.” He threw his car in drive.
I giggled and folded my hands in my lap. Creed was always so laidback and in control. It never seemed like anything bothered him. I admired that about him.
