Page 15 of Magically Generated
He didn’t argue, just finished the second slice of pizza in a few bites before guzzling half the bottle of water.
“Do you need anything else to eat?”she asked.
“Granola bar.Above the sink.”
She had to stand on her toes to reach the shelf.She brought the whole box, just in case.
“Help yourself,” he said as he opened one up.Despite his condition, he was still trying to be a decent host.
She shook her head.
The left corner of his mouth hitched up.“Maybe your friend…would like one.”
This was when Nora realized, in horror, that Dino was tucked under her armpit.
“A Christmas present from my nephew,” she said.
“Sure it was.”
She glared at him.
“How was your early Christmas celebration?”he asked.
He was rapidly improving, his voice much clearer than it had been five minutes ago.She’d feel comfortable enough to leave him soon.Still…
“You just passed out in the hallway,” she said.“We’re talking about you.Not me.”
“Hm.”That was his only response before he returned to crunching on the granola bar.He brushed a crumb from his beard before his gaze dropped down.Was he looking at her hippo pajama pants?She couldn’t help wishing she’d worn her plaid ones, but how the hell could she have known that she’d see anyone tonight?
Nora was suddenly conscious of her gray waffle shirt—her nipples were probably visible.She wished she didn’t care about that, but she did.She crossed her arms over her chest, which squished Dino against her breast.
But that wasn’t important right now; what mattered was making sure Everett was safe.
“Can you stand up?”she asked.
When he nodded, she got up and offered him a hand.He took it, his large hand engulfing hers, and staggered to his feet.He managed to remove his jacket and boots.
“I’m going to go,” she said.“But if you need anything…here, let me put my number in your phone.You can text me.”
He handed over his phone, and the left side of his mouth curved up again.“You’re giving me your number?You must—”
“Shut it.”She placed a finger to his lips.
The softness and warmth of his lips caught her off guard.She immediately withdrew and curled her fingers into a fist so they wouldn’t tingle.
Was there anything else she should tell him?Her mind was suddenly blank.
Ah.Right.
“Text me when you wake up,” she said.“Let me know you’re okay.”
“Will do.”
She gave him one last look before heading back across the hall, Dino in her arms.Although she didn’t expect to fall asleep right away, sleep pulled her under almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.
Everett opened his eyes.His bedroom was unusually bright, and he glanced at his alarm clock.
1:05 p.m.
