I take the cups and put them in the sink, turning on the water to start rinsing them just as there’s a knock on the door.
“It’s probably Rudy,” I say, drying my hands. “My landlord.”
I walk to the door and open it, smiling at my middle-aged landlord. “Hey, Rudy.”
“Hey, Serena.” He doesn’t look happy, which isn’t the norm for him. “I saw that you have company and wanted to let you know that there’s a tree down in the road—they’re not getting out of here before tomorrow. It’s dark now so there’s no way for me to get to it. I’m real sorry about this.”
“Oh.” I turn and find West standing behind me.
“Is there any way around?” West asks him. “I have four-wheel drive.”
Rudy shakes his head. “No, I’m sorry. I don’t know how much you saw on the way in but it’s heavily wooded.”
West gazes out into the darkness but doesn’t say anything.
“It’s all right,” he says finally. “I’m fine sleeping on the floor. And I can help you clear it in the morning.”
Rudy nods. “Appreciate that. Anyway, I brought some wood over, on the porch here, since they’re calling for ice in a few hours. Didn’t want you having to walk across the yard for it, Serena.”
“Thanks, Rudy.” I nod.
“Stay warm.” He leaves, and I close the door.
“I’m so sorry,” I say to West. “I’m sure you have better things to do than hang here with me.”
He looks down, a faint smile on his lips. “I can think of worse ways to spend an evening.”
“Mommy, is it bath time?” Joey asks, coming over and tugging on my shirt.
“In a minute, baby. Let me finish cleaning the kitchen.” I head back that way, wondering what I’m going to do now. West can’t possibly spend the night here. I mean, it’s ludicrous. Inviting him in for dinner is one thing but having him sleep over—I’ve never had a man here.
“I know this is inconvenient.” West stuffs his hands in his pockets and comes to stand next to me. “If you’d rather I sleep in my truck, the tank is full so I can turn on the heat.”
Oh.
Damn.
I can’t do that to him.
It’sfreezingoutside.
“That would be…terrible,” I say quietly, finally looking up at him. “And to be honest, as weird as it is, I think I trust you.”
His face is serious as he studies mine. “Are you sure? I don’t want to make you uncomfortable and I’m literally a stranger.”
“You play for the Thunder. Rudy knows you’re here.”
“And your boss has my license plate,” he adds somberly.
I’d almost forgotten about that.
“Yes, she does.” I manage a smile. “And the couch is old but pretty comfortable. I mean, you’re very tall, but it’s better than your SUV.”
“As long as you’re sure.”
“I am.” I turn back to the sink. I put everything except the crockpot in the dishwasher and then put the leftover stew in a container that I can take to work, assuming this stupid storm ever ends.
“How about I wash the pot and you go take care of Joey?” he suggests after a moment. “That way I’ll feel like I’m earning my keep.”