She has no other choice

“I'd be interested, Mr. Patterson.” The words I'm hoping to hear come out as a soft whisper as her head bobbles in a curious circular motion. “As I told you before, I'm in between residencies right now. A single small room like this shouldn't be too dear, right?” I can tell Riya is not really used to using her feminine charms to get what she wants from men, but all the same she smiles up at me sweetly and bats her eyes once or twice.

Even though this is exactly what I'm hoping to hear, I shake my head.

“I can't, Honey. It's not the money, you could stay here for free for all I care. I just don't think it would be proper.” I explain, “It was different when Fran was still alive, but I don't think your parents would approve of you living alone with a man in his house.”

“I'll talk to my parents, Sir,” Riya is quick to assure me that this is not a problem. “I'll explain that you've been injured and need my help.” Her hand rests on arm and she squeezes it firmly.

“Please, Mr. Patterson.” The desperation in her voice is music to my ears. “I'd be around a lot more, if you needed me for anything...” I certainly planned on needing her for lots of things, but best not to overplay my hand.

“So, you'd live in my house with free room and board? I may have to find a few more chores for you to do ...” when Riya nods her head eagerly, I go on as if I am just thinking this through now. “If your father is OK with it, I guess we could give it a try for a probationary period. Say one week, just to be sure you are comfortable with the arrangement?”

“That would be brilliant, Mr. Patterson.” The girl is practically bubbling with excitement, “absolutely brilliant.” I consider hugging her, but decide I am better off playing it cool. Afterall I'm supposed to be recovering from an accident, I can hardly pick the pretty little thing up and swing her around like a stuffed teddy bear. What I can do though, is wobble dangerously and clutch at the nearest thing for support.

My arm falls across the young woman's slender shoulders, and I let my weight press against her torso. Riya is surprisingly strong for someone as slight as she is. Her arm wraps around my waist and she presses her whole body against mine. It isn't exactly a hug, but damn does her firm body feel good against mine. I am close enough to smell the lavender of her shampoo as my murmur my apologies.

“I am so sorry, Riya. I lose my balance sometimes.” I squeeze her slender body one more time as I straighten up and get my weight back over my feet. Riya however does not seem to mind the close contact.

“You see, Mr. Patterson.” She pats me softly on my chest just over my heart. “You need me here.” Well, she's not wrong about that, but maybe not quite in the way she thinks.