Page 47 of Fake Dating Adrian Hunter
“You’re not fine. You look terrible.” I poke his arm in jest. “Who knew bluebottle stings turn men so soft.”
Adrian doesn’t laugh like I want him to. Instead, he closes his eyes and mutters, “That’s funny.”
It’s this response that makes me realize the brave face he’s wearing. I place a hand on his forehead and gasp. “You’re really warm. Show me the sting again.”
“Vee—” he protests, but he’s so limp he barely has the energy to stop me. I remove the ice pack and lift his shirt, swearing when I see the increased swelling.
“Adrian, I think you’re having an allergic reaction. Let me get help—”
He holds my wrist. “I’ve been researching bluebottle stings on my phone. There’s nothing anyone can do. I have to wait this out.”
“At least let me take you inside where it’s quiet and you can relax properly. There are plenty of bedrooms downstairs.”
“I can do that,” Isabelle offers. “I’ve been meaning to talk to Adrian about some stuff. This will give us a good chance.”
“I hardly think that’s appropriate,” I say, perhaps a little too sharp. “You’re here with your date. How will it look if you’re entering a bedroom withmine?”
I help Adrian to his feet before either he or Isabelle can rebut, and take his hand, clearing a path through the guests as I lead him below deck to the bedrooms. The first door is locked. The next one is too, and it’s not until we approach a third door that we secure an empty room. I take Adrian inside and close the door behind us, then lay him down and sit beside him at the head of the bed.
“Much calmer down here,” I say, knowing I made the right decision to draw Adrian away from all the noise on deck. He already appears more relaxed, lying on his back with his eyes closed.
A continuous banging sound picks up from one of the adjacent rooms, contradicting my words. It’s followed by a moan, then someone cries outyes!over and over again.
Adrian and I unravel with laughter.
“Yeah, real nice down here,” he says.
“You want me to pound on their door? I’ll scare them enough so they shut up.”
“Yeah, right.” He closes his eyes again, his voice growing heavy with drowsiness. “If whoever is in there saw you in that bikini today, they’ll ask you to join in on their fun.”
“And you assume I’ll say yes?”
“Maybe. I hope you wouldn’t.” His words are slower and further between. “Vee… will you stay with me?”
“Adrian, I’m not a threesome kind of girl.”
“I meant… instead of returning upstairs.”
My back slides down the headboard and I lie beside him. “Of course I will. Just… don’t go to sleep on me, all right? Isn’t that what they say—you’re meant to keep people awake when they’re having a reaction to something?”
There’s no reply.
“Adrian?” I give him a gentle shake.
He answers with a smile. “I can’t relax if I’m talking.” His hand finds mine and his fingers trace slow circles around my palm. “If my fingers stop, that means I’ve fallen asleep.”
I gulp at his touch. “Okay.”
“By the way… I’m sorry about the wetsuit. Ernie said the chances of stingers are low. I just wanted to enjoy the afternoon with you.”
“I’m not mad, only concerned about you.”
“One last thing…”
“Yeah?”
“I didn’t abandon you. And you are good enough for me. More than enough.”
