Page 25 of A Lonely Road
“Remember, you need to rest,” he said. “Text me if you need anything, even if it’s a glass of water, got it? I’ll take the truck so I can get back here quickly.”
“That seems like overkill, but okay.” I squeezed his hand before he released the blanket. “And Jake, thank you again.”
He cupped his other palm over my cheek, brushing his thumb across the skin that no longer felt flushed with fever. “You’re welcome. Text me if you’re going to bed, so I don’t panic again over radio silence, deal?”
I couldn’t remember the last time someone had worried so much about my wellbeing. I let the glow of it surroundme and nodded. “Deal.”
After Jake left, locking the door behind him, I rested my head against the arm of the loveseat and let out a soft sigh. Even my embarrassment over being helped to the shower was slowly evaporating under the soothing blanket of contentment he had left in his wake.
As the evening wore on, I fought back my exhaustion long enough to exchange a series of texts with Jake. As requested, I let him know when I finally caved and went to bed, hours earlier than usual.
Jake wished me goodnight and sweet dreams, then insisted I keep my phone with me in case of emergencies.
I felt a little silly, but tucking the phone under my pillow made me feel that same glow as I had under his tender care, giving a tangible connection to him to comfort me until sleep overtook me at last.
Chapter Thirteen
Jake
Twodaysandanear constant string of texts later, I was working under the hood of my truck again when Nora trotted down the stairs and approached me. I glanced over my shoulder, then straightened and gave her my full attention. Though she wasn’t wearing the blue dress that had haunted my fantasies for days, she looked damned good in denim cutoff shorts that made her sculpted legs seem a mile long.
For a swift second, I let myself appreciate the stretch of skin that I’d felt too guilty to ponder during her illness.
“Howdy, neighbor,” I drawled.
This time, her beautiful eyes danced in response to the greeting. My gaze traveled over her features. I expected to find dark circles under her eyes, a lingering pallor maybe, but she looked well-rested and heart-stoppingly beautiful.
“Howdy yourself,” she said, peeking under the hood. “I’d make some casual comment about engines if I had any idea what wouldn’t make me sound like an idiot.”
I cocked one hip against the front bumper. “Might take a few lessons to get you up to speed, but you’re a quick study.” My head tilted as I looked at her. “How are you feeling?”
“I feel totally fine, no relapse. All of my muscles seem to have returned to full strength. I even managed to bathe and dress myself without your assistance.”
I smirked at that and bit back a flirty retort. The way she shrugged one shoulder, the wry smile, the light in her eyes—it all made me want to wrap my arms around her again, but the ball was now in her court.
“In any case, I’m completely recovered.”
“Good,” I said softly. “That’s good.”
“Actually, I wondered if you were interested in another pizza night? My treat this time, to thank you for taking care of me while I was sick. And I’ll bring dessert.” The words flowed out in a rush, like she needed to say them quickly, before she lost her courage.
Hopefully, my answering smile was warm enough to soothe her nerves. “I can’t think of anything I’d like better. Tonight?”
She nodded, a little shyly. “Or whenever you’re free,” she added quickly. “I don’t want to cause any more issues with your work.”
Though I had, in fact, skipped out on the restaurant to stay by her side during her illness, I had a feeling she was referring more to the drunk who’d grabbed her. That was the opening I’d been waiting for; I reached out and cupped her cheek in my hand. My heart lifted when she shifted ever so slightly, nuzzling her face into my palm.
“Let’s get one thing perfectly straight,” I said, my voice gentle but firm. “You haven’t caused a single issue at my work. I swear to you that what happened that night willneverhappen again in my restaurant—not to you, not to anyone else. Okay?”
“Yeah,” she replied softly.
“And you’ll break my heart if you stop coming to The Mermaid to work. As for pizza, I’m free tonight, if that fits into your schedule.”
Nora’s breath hitched, stalling for a long moment before she let it out in a quiet whoosh, then she nodded. “Okay. Five?”
I reluctantly dropped my hand, but I held her gaze. “It’s a date,” I said.
The word was very deliberately spoken and I waited to see if she would shy away from it, but she simply gave me a sweet, beautiful smile and jogged back up the stairs to her apartment.
