Page 46 of The Dating Dare

She leaned into his broad back and sighed. She was in pain and cold, but having him beside her made things not suck as bad. She might go as far as to say it bordered on nice. “This is kind of nice.”

“What?” He swiveled his head toward her, but she was hidden behind his back. “Did you hit your head, too?”

“No, I’m serious. This is the longest stretch of time we’ve ever spent together, and I haven’t killed you, yet. I say it bodes well for our remaining two dates.”

She felt his back tense against her, but his tone was light when heresponded, “That really must be some sort of a record. Admit it. I’m growing on you, aren’t I?”

“Don’t try to sabotage the game. You know the rules. I’m not allowed to fall in love with you, so I can’t let you grow on me. I’m not taking any chances.” She was messing around with him, but it was also a good reminder not to let herself get too attached to him. With a mental shrug, she snuggled closer to his back. “I’ve just gotten more skilled at tolerating you.”

“You sweet talker,” he said dryly. “I tolerate you, too.”

He was proud of himself for not losing his shit at the emergency room. Every hospital staff member was working hard and doing their best to take care of all the patients, but they were just bombarded. After giving her some ibuprofen, they had Tara wait three hours to be x-rayed. She was in pain and tired, and it made him feel utterly helpless and furious that there wasn’t more he could do.

Once they got back to the hotel, they were both exhausted and hungry.

“I’m so relieved it isn’t broken,” Tara said, settling into the wheelchair he’d rented from the hotel. “Now all I want is some room service and a hot bath.”

Shit. He hadn’t mentioned to her that they’d be sharing a room tonight. It seemed like a sound plan when he booked the room, but now he wasn’t so sure.

“Tara, when you suggested an overnight trip, I had assumed—hoped—that we’d stay in the same room.” He paused to clear his throat. “Before you say anything, I wasn’t being completely presumptuous. There’s a sofa bed, if you’d rather have me sleep there.”

“I don’t think you’re presumptuous. That’s what I wanted, too,” she said with an adorable blush.

“Good. I’m glad.” He sighed with relief that Tara wasn’t offended, but at the same time, his body heated up at her words.Get yourself under control. With her injury, nothing was happening tonight. Which was a goddamn shame, but he wasn’t going to risk hurting her.

After checking in, he pulled Tara into their room, then stopped for a moment to orient himself. How could he make her more comfortable? “Do you want to sit in front of the fireplace, while I make you some tea?”

“Tea? I’m not sick, Seth. I just have a sprained ankle. Let’s have some coffee with Bailey’s. There must be some in the mini bar.”

He chuckled as some of the tension left his body. Since she didn’t voice any objections to sitting in front of the fire, he maneuvered the wheelchair to a plush chair by the fireplace and gently placed Tara on it. Then he pulled its twin chair close and lifted her injured leg onto it, placing a cushion under her foot.

“Comfy?” he asked.

“Yes. Thank you,” she said with her smiling face upturned toward him. He kissed her lightly because he couldn’t help himself, and stepped away.

“Coffee with Bailey’s coming right up.”

Once he finished making their drinks, he brought the steaming mugs to her and handed both to her. “Don’t get any ideas. One of them is mine.”

“Spoilsport.” She pouted.

He gingerly lifted her leg and sat down in the chair across from her and replaced her foot on his thigh. Reaching to retrieve his drink,he said, “Tsk-tsk. If you’re not good, I might not share the whiskey and hot chocolate.”

She grinned and took a sip of her drink. “Mmm. This hits the spot.”

“How does your ankle feel?” He placed his mug down by the fireplace and slowly peeled off her fuzzy hospital sock. Her ankle was still swollen to the size of her calf, and he frowned.

“The Motrin is really helping. I barely notice the throbbing,” she said cheerily, taking another sip of her adult beverage. “After this drink, I think I’ll be a happy camper.”

“You should have your bath once you’re finished. The front desk is sending up our bags, so you could change into something more comfortable after that.”

“Are you suggesting I slip into my lingerie for you?” Tara wiggled her eyebrows.

“Please try not to torture me. Put on the most modest, figure-obscuring clothing you have.”

“Party pooper.” She stuck out her tongue at him.

“There will be no parties tonight,” he said like a true party pooper, and wistfully stared at the tip of her red tongue. “You can’t even shift in your seat without wincing.”

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