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“Or getting out of the car by myself, apparently. I think I can manage, but thanks.”
I tried to push him off, but the guy wasn’t budging. He wrapped one of my arms around his neck and took me by the waist, helping me up onto the sidewalk, which really wasn’t necessary.
“Solo, I can walk—”
“We can’t afford to have any accidents, now can we? So shut up and give me your key.”
One thing I was grateful for was that he’d thought to get my wallet and keys out of my locker for me. I’d have to change the combination when I got back to keep the nosy fucker out, but for now I was thankful I wouldn’t have to go get them myself. Just moving from the required hospital wheelchair into the taxi and now to my room was enough pain and exhaustion, but I wasn’t about to give Solo the satisfaction that maybe he was right about me needing help.
He got the door open and had me inside in record time, but when he kicked the door shut behind us, I realized he wasn’t planning on going anywhere.
“Damn, who brought the balloons from the hospital?” I said, batting the long strands of ribbon out of the way as he walked me to my bed. There seemed to be even more filling the room now, as well as the vases of flowers. “Don’t tell me you managed all these on your bike.”
“I’m guessing your parents are responsible for the breaking and entering.” Once he’d lowered me onto the bed, he walked to the windows and pushed the curtains open, letting in June gloom in all its glory. It would be sunny soon, though, always breaking through the grey after noon or so.
“So. What are you hungry for?”
“You really don’t need to do this. I can feed myself.”
“Oh? You gonna hop on your bike and go get something? Walk over to the mess hall?” Solo snorted. “I don’t think so.”
“I’ll just order something.”
Solo snapped his fingers. “Yes, we’ll order something. Great idea.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket and began typing. “I know nothing will sound as appetizing as gourmet Jell-O and unspecified meat, but surely there’s something you can stomach.”
“Ugh. Anything sounds better than that.” Even though my throat was still sore, I’d happily eat glass over whatever meat they gave me for dinner last night. I was determined to get out of the hospital, though, so I’d eaten every last bite like it was the best thing I’d ever tasted.
“We’ve got pizza, Chinese, Mexican—” Solo looked up and waggled his brows at the mention of our first sort-of date where food ended up not being on the menu. “Hmm, maybe too soon for that. What about Thai?”
My stomach rumbled. “Oh God, I’d kill for some red curry.”
“Red curry it is.” As he placed the order on his phone, I took advantage of his attention being elsewhere to look over him. I may have looked like a mess and in desperate need of a shower, but Solo looked even more gorgeous than ever. His hair was styled today, just a little bit of a spike at the front, and he wore the small hoops he favored on his days off. He was a sexy package, one I’d want more of if my body would cooperate, but that was strictly off-limits for a few more days at least, according to the doctor. I’d work with a physical therapist soon, and they’d be able to assess how fast or slow I was progressing, and considering I needed the all-clear for any chance of continuing the NAFTA program, I planned to push myself.
But for today, I was content to sit on this bed and not do a damn thing.
“Done.” Solo set his phone on the dresser and then leaned back on it. “You tired or up for something?”
“Both? Depends on what you mean by ‘up for.’”
“Look at you, you little flirt. Trying to break the rules, are we?”
I laughed and shook my head. “That’s not exactly what I meant.”
“So you’re saying you’re not thinking of me naked…”
“Solo—”
“Can’t blame you if you were. I mean, if it helps, I’ll lose the pants. Shirt or pants? Your choice.”
As he reached for the bottom of his shirt, I held my hand out. “Don’t you fucking dare get naked right now. You’re supposed to be here to help me, not torture me.”
He lifted his shirt a little higher so I could see a sliver of his tanned abs. “This isn’t helping?”
“No.” I groaned, and Solo laughed, dropping his hands.
“Well, I guess I can keep my clothes on. For now. Wouldn’t want the delivery person to get an eyeful of this and poison your food out of jealousy.”
I stared at Solo and could only shake my head. “Has anyone ever told you you’re ridiculous?”
