Page 63 of Blood and Buttercups

I give him a bland look and then go inside. But he’s right—the strawberry, banana, and yogurt smoothie tasted like fruit and not blood, which is a big win in my book.

“I noticed you didn’t tell Max I’m moving in,” Noah says, following me back to the kitchen.

“He didn’t ask.”

“He will eventually.”

“And eventually, I’ll cross that bridge. But today is not that day.”

“How’s your stomach? It can take a few days to get used to the prescription.”

“So far, so good. When will I be able to go into the sun without covering every inch of my skin?”

“Let’s give it a few days. Why don’t you show me where I’ll be sleeping?”

I point through the arched kitchen entry toward the living room. “On that couch there.”

“We’re going to have to renegotiate my rent.”

“Fine,” I say with an exaggerated sigh. “You can have the guestroom. I should probably wash the sheets, though. It’s been forever since anyone’s stayed in there.”

Noah looks at his phone when it vibrates with a text. “You have an appointment with your dietitian at nine on Monday.”

“You were able to book it on the weekend?”

“Clark is a workaholic who keeps his schedule on his phone. He’s easy to get a hold of.”

“Does he work for NIHA?”

“Yeah, we have a whole slew of doctors and professionals who specialize in patients infected with Vampiria B.”

“Does that mean I have to change doctors?”

“You’ll still need your general practitioner. Most people in Stage One visit their dietitian, go to support groups, and sometimes schedule sessions with our counselors, but they don’t have a reason to see our doctors.”

“And you’ll do all that scheduling for me?”

“I can, or you can call your doctor and her office will set it up. Sometimes, insurance requires a referral. It depends on the situation and your insurance company.”

I’m getting a headache just thinking about it.

“When are you going to get your stuff?” I ask, deciding it’s time to change the subject.

“You said your friend Olivia is coming this evening? I’ll go then.”

“You’re never going to leave me alone again, are you?”

“Not until we find Ethan. Speaking of him, I have a few calls to make.”

“Go ahead. I have some computer work to do.” A smile twitches at my lips. “Am I allowed to go upstairs by myself?”

“It’s probably safer.” He smiles as he scrolls through his contacts. “We already know the effect I have on your knees.”

I roll my eyes and go upstairs. Before I get to work, I strip the guestroom bed and haul the sheets down to the laundry room.

A few hours later, Olivia arrives, and Noah takes off.

Olivia watches him through the front window and then turns to me, fanning her face. “That man is blazing hot. He’s really your bodyguard?”

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