Page 80 of Pitcher Perfect

“Fresh out. Sorry.” I made my way to his nightstand with as little light as possible emanating from my leg. I was glad the glass was empty. Hopefully, a dehydration headache wasn’t on the docket.

When I returned with fresh water and more Excedrin Migraine, Caleb grabbed my wrist. “Thank you for taking care of me.” He tugged. It was somewhat weak but a clear message.

I gently sat on the edge of his bed. “You’re welcome. Anything else I can get you until your new noggin gets here?” My eyes were adjusting to the dark, and I saw his lips quirk up.

“No. You sure you don’t mind getting my meds?”

“I wouldn’t offer if I minded.” I didn’t mention that I planned to spend the morning cleaning up the kitchen and equipment for him because I didn’t want him to stress. Friends—or whatever we were—helped each other out.

“How’d it go tonight?”

“Amazing. I’d say only a twenty percent chance of food poisoning.”

He groaned again. “Great for business. Did you tell them to tag me in any posts about their medical bills?”

“Of course. Gave them the hashtag too.” In that moment, I realized Caleb was no longer gripping my wrist, but we loosely held hands. What Iwantedto do was crawl under the covers with him and pull him against my chest, but I worried jostling him would make any potential nausea worse.

Caleb yawned again.

“Get some sleep.”

“’Kay.” He squeezed my hand then rolled over.

I stood and walked to the doorway but didn’t leave until I saw his breathing slow. Once I reached the living room, I had a yawn of my own that damn near cracked my jaw. I glanced at his comfortable couch. With each step I took toward his door, my body weighed another fifty pounds. It was probably weird to crash on his couch without him knowing, but in case he got worse, it couldn’t hurt for me to stick around.What if he gets dizzy while getting up to take a piss and gives himself a concussion?

For safety and definitely not the comfort of the couch, avoidance of a drive, and proximity of Caleb, I collapsed on the couch and was asleep in moments, dreaming of the man in the other room.

CHAPTER25

CALEB

Caleb:the photo you posted on Instagram is gorgeous. I can’t believe that’s where you are right now

Charity:I know! Peru is amazing. You’d love it. Speaking of gorgeous, how’s Austin?

Caleb:he’s good

Charity:ok… that’s all you’re going to give to me? Your sister? Your flesh and blood? The person you vowed to protect and care for? Ouch

Caleb:I didn’t realize you minored in drama. We’ve been seeing each other, I guess. The competition is coming up so we’ll figure out what happens after

Charity:you’ve been “seeing each other”?!?!??!!? OMGGGGGG

Charity:didn’t take you to be such a passive guy. You’ll “figure out” what happens?

Caleb:where is my sweet, kind sister who takes it easy on me?

Charity:she’s on vacation

Caleb:I really like him, Char. But what if I’m falling for another guy who only takes and doesn’t give?

Charity:do you really think that’s the case with him?

Caleb:no, but I didn’t think that with other people I’ve dated either

Charity:that’s a fair concern because you’ve dated some grade A assholes

Caleb:don’t hold back now

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