Page 68 of The Head Game

August had no idea what to say in response but thankfully, Skylar saved him.

“I think that’s beautiful, Isa. Now, you go get some rest and we’ll see you in the morning.”

Isa turned to study her. “And what about you? How much sleep have you gotten?”

Skylar winced. “Not a lot.”

“And you’re pregnant. No. You’re coming with us to the hotel and we’ll bring you back in the morning.”

Skylar shot August a look but he shrugged. She’d be way more comfortable at a hotel and there was no reason for all of them to be at the hospital.

As long as the nurses didn’t kick him out, he’d stay. He’d manage some catnaps in the waiting area if it came to that.

August followed them down to the lobby and said goodbye to them by the door, then went in search of dinner for himself.

It was hard to believe it was already late evening but time here seemed strange and not quite real. Or maybe that was the lack of sleep talking.

At this point he felt like he could nod off standing up.

The cafeteria food was as mediocre as he’d expected but he ate anyway, and when he returned to Nico’s floor, the woman at the desk was packing up.

“Oh, I thought you’d headed to the hotel with the rest of Nico’s family,” she said as she put a water bottle in her bag.

“No, I’d like to stay with him overnight if that’s okay.”

“It’s typically allowed on this floor but you’ll have to check with his night nurse. Let me speak to her. They already finished report but she’ll be busy with night meds and such for a while. I’ll have her come find you in the waiting area when she’s done.”

August nodded. He didn’t know exactly what that all meant but he’d do whatever they told him to.

“Thank you,” he said and she smiled at him.

“You’re welcome. And I want you to know, I think you and Nico are sweet together. I always thought he was a total … well, you know.” Her cheeks turned a little pink. “But it’s sweet to see he has someone who loves him so much.”

August managed a weak smile in response.

What in the hell was he supposed to say to that?

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Nico swam in and out of sleep a dozen times throughout the night but to his relief, August was always there.

He’d stretched out on a chair that reclined onto a bed and a nurse had given him a blanket and a pillow.

Every time Nico awoke, restless and afraid, he only had to turn his head to look at August, sleeping on his side, his hands tucked under his pillow, to make the fear abate.

Everything felt better when he was close.

Once when Nico awoke, tangled in the sheets, he opened his eyes to see August standing next to the bed, gently shushing him and straightening the covers. “Hey, it’s okay.”

“Auggie?” he muttered.

“Yeah, I’m here. I said I would be.”

“Yeah.” Nico sighed. “Wish you were closer.”

“Hey, I don’t know what you’re saying now,” August said gently. “I think you’re speaking Dutch, maybe.”

Nico tried again but August kept shaking his head so Nico closed his eyes and slept again.

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