Page 83 of Bi-Partisan

“Good point. Then yes, let’s get dry and go to bed. I’m sure you’re exhausted from your drive.”

I sigh. “I am.”

He leans past me to turn off the water, then slides the shower curtain back just enough to get towels, but not let in too much cold air. “Your towel is the one on the bar,” he says as he grabs the one from the hook.

“You kept my towel out?”

“I washed it, don’t worry,” he says as he runs the towel over his arms and chest.

I turn to grab it as I to suppress what would probably be a goofy grin. I know it’s silly to feel all fluttery over a towel. But I was gone for a month, and he still kept my towel out. Not only that, he washed it and put it back, just so it would be ready for me. It feels like it means something.

Once we’re dry, I wrap the towel around my waist and watch as he slips back into his pajamas.

“Do you want me to grab your suitcase so you can get dressed?” he asks.

“No, I’ll get it. Go ahead and get into bed, darlin’,” I say, giving him a peck on the cheek as I pass him. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

I quickly pad out into the living room, shivering slightly as the AC clashes with my still hot skin, and rifle through my suitcase for my toothbrush, phone charger, and clean boxers and pajamas. I get dressed in the bathroom, then brush my teeth.

I head back into the bedroom, and after I plug in my phone and set my alarm, I slip into bed next to Adrian. He smiles and switches off the lamp, then turns over to face me and lifts his arm so I can settle into him. And as much as I want to be the little spoon, it would require me to lie on my right side, which seems to make my reflux worse.

So I motion for him to turn.

“Big spoon today?” he teases.

“I wake up with less reflux when I sleep on my left side,” I explain.

Suddenly, his face goes guarded again. “Has it been getting worse?”

“A little, but don’t—”

“Please don’t tell me not to worry,” he blurts.

“Sorry,” I say immediately.

He takes a calming breath. “No, I’m sorry, I just really hate that.”

“I understand,” I say, gently reaching out to hold his hand in the space between us. “Do you want to tell me what’s bothering you?”

“I’m worried you aren’t taking your reflux seriously. It’s just…” He sighs. “With how frequent it is, it could be causing damage to your esophagus. It could also be a symptom of a bigger problem, which would explain why the antacids you take don’t always help.”

I let his words sink in for a long moment, then bring his hand to my mouth to kiss his knuckles. “I guess I just hoped that it would eventually resolve itself. I also really hate going to the doctor—like, it took Mina threatening to tell on me to my mother for me to make the appointment with my primary care doctor—so the idea of having to go see a specialist…” I kiss his knuckles again. “But you’re right. I haven’t been taking it as seriously as I probably should, and I’m sorry that it’s been worrying you, darlin’.”

“It’s okay,” he says quietly.

“I’ll make another doctor’s appointment as soon as I can. I promise.”

He nods. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” I say, offering him a small smile. “Now turn over so I can cuddle you. I have a month of cuddle-less nights to make up for.”

He huffs a laugh, but instead of following my instructions, he scoots closer, hooking his arm over my waist and tangling our legs together. Yeah, this works, too.

Chapter 27

Jamie

Song: Be Slow – Harrison Storm

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