Page 59 of Call Me Sir

My head is in a haze when I open my eyes and see Sal in a chair at my bedside.

Thankfully the pounding has gone away, though a dull ache remains.

What the hell is happening? Was I getting robbed and he stopped them?

Sal perks up when he notices I’m awake and holds a bowl out in front of me.

“Finally,” he whispers with that familiar half crack of a smile.

“What are you doing here?” I ask with a hoarse voice.

“Shh.”

I listen and let him prop my head up so I’m sitting upright a little further.

More questions spring to mind like, was I being robbed? And if not, why is my boss here? Why is he offering to spoon feed me broth?

I don’t hound him for answers though. I let him feed me the entire bowl.

“Do you want some toast?” He asks, offering me one more sip before cozying into my bed.

Gently, he moves the hair plastered to my forehead away and out of my face.

“Mm,” I hum, leaning into his touch.

Opening my eyes, I find myself admiring his dark, intense brown eyes, startled at me watching him.

“I…” my voice sounds so damn raspy.

He tries to shush me again, to no avail.

“I’ve missed your touch.”

There’s a touch of a smile and I want more. Need more. Despite my body pulsating with discomfort, I want more of him.

“I miss your arms around me, Torey.”

I relish in the bobbing of his throat. His fingers continue to wind through my hair, lust and desire burning in his gaze.

“It’s not even the crazy, hot sex. I’m sure you know how fucking amazing you are. But it’s the way you make me feel. Like I’m some prized possession and not just a sex toy.”

I don’t know why the hell I’m still talking. I need to shut up.

“Danny tried so hard last night and I kept thinking, he’s not you. And even when I was beating myself up and trying to enjoy his effort, I found myself comparing how you’re sitting here in your nice work clothes and you didn’t just leave me a bowl to throw up in, you know?”

Sal leans forward and cups my cheek. “Okay, amor, it’s time to rest.”

I should be ashamed or embarrassed for running my mouth. Yet I can’t help but think he looks kind of relieved.

Content having said my piece and with a full belly of broth, I let my heavy eyelids close and fall into a deep sleep.

Nineteen

Sal

The sound of staggered steps has me up from the couch and checking on Cole.

He’s got the puke bowl under his arm and is dry heaving into it.

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