Page 52 of Loving the Legend
Following his instructions, I retrieve them from a cabinet that rivals the Whole Foods supplement aisle. No wonder it took him so long to drop. He takes care of himself. When I return with his supplements and a bowl of cereal for me, he’s asleep. I eat, set an alarm so I’m on the road by ten thirty, and then climb in next to him. I watch the fire until I drift back asleep.
I groanand reach for my alarm once it goes off. Sid’s arm is wrapped around my torso, and his leg is nestled between mine. Damn, it feels good to be a little spoon. I reach back and pressmy palm against his forehead. He’s warmer than normal but cooler than before.
“Wish you could stay,” he says. His hoarse, husky, sleepy voice makes me shiver and rut against him.
I bite my lip and stifle a groan. “I wish I could too. How are you feeling? I think your fever broke.”
“Yeah? I’ve felt better.”
I start to disentangle myself. “I’ll bring you more soup and juice before I leave.”
“Wait, one more minute,” he pleads, drawing me closer to him.
I nod. I want to burrow under someone warm when I’m sick.
The birdsong and Sid’s soft, congested breathing fills the quiet.
Ten minutes pass before I muster the strength to disentangle myself and climb out of bed. I bring him a fresh bowl of hot soup, a glass of water, and juice. He insists on walking me out once I’m dressed.
I’m putting on my shoes in the foyer when he asks, “Next week is the anniversary of your parents’ passing, right?” His comforter is caped around his shoulders, and a tissue is stuffed up his nose. He’s still the most gorgeous person I’ve ever seen in my life.
I nod. It’s cool that he remembered. I’ve been thinking a lot about it, mostly to prepare myself.
“If you need to talk, I’m here.”
I blow out a breath. “Thanks. That means a lot. It’s rough, but visiting their graves helps.”
“Makes sense. It’s a kind of ritual. What’s the name of the cemetery that they’re buried in?”
Our heads turn toward the door at the sound of tires crunching gravel.
“Uh, Evergreen Memorial. Why?”
“Curious,” he replies.
“Thanks for inviting me over. I haven’t slept that well in years. I’ve been missing out sleeping alone.”
A shadow dims his face. “You’re welcome here anytime.”
I nod. I’m not sure how often I’ll have the chance with our schedules.
“Aight, I should go before I’m late.” I open the door and startle at the sight of Lily standing on the other side with her key in hand. Equally startled, her face transforms into a wide grin once recognition sets in.
“Ty! What a wonderful surprise. It’s good to see you again.”
“Hi, Lily!” I bend forward and accept her hug. “It’s great to see you too.”
“Told you I’m rarely alone,” Sid says. “I caught Justin’s bug,” he says to his mom. “Ty’s helped nurse me back to health.”
“Really?” She rolls up on her tiptoes to cradle his jaw.
He grins and shoos her hand away. “She still thinks I’m five.”
She pats his cheeks affectionately. “Wait until you’re a parent, you’ll see. They’re always your baby.” She rolls back to stand flat and slips out of her shoes. “I’m making soup.”
“Ty beat you to it.”
Lily arches an eyebrow and glances at me. “Is that right?”
