Page 180 of Nobody's Girl

Yes, she’s dressed me in pajamas from seventh grade. She must’ve found them in the back of my drawer. The fact that they fit isn’t even plausible. I think she picked them for me just to make me look twelve in front of Eden.

Plus, she put my hair in a braid after she washed it. Some braces and I’d look like a nerdy sixth grader at a sleepover. “Yeah Mom, I look like a million bucks. Can I please call Kyle and let him know I won’t be there tonight?”

Her hands go to her hips and her head lolls to one side. “Now, dear, he knows you have a concussion. I’m sure he doesn’t expect you to be there.”

“Probably not, but I’d like to talk to him anyway. He and Eden had a little thing at the hospital and I want him to know it’s all cool.”

“Do you realize what time it is, sweetie?”

It’s dark, but I’ve no idea of the time. “Why?”

Crossing the room, she grabs the remote to my television. “Because it’s nearly nine. I’m sure he’s already playing,” she says as she hands it to me.

She’s right, damn it!

“I’m still bored and lonely, Mom. Come watch a movie with me,” I plead.

“No can do, sweetie. Your father and I have a hot date in the backyard. There’s a meteor shower tonight. I’ll send Eden up, He’ll be happy to watch a movie with you,” she says, then flounces out the door.

She’s sending Eden into my bedroom now? What in the hell is going on?

Flipping on the TV, I search the guide for a movie. I’ve woken up in the twilight zone, or perhaps aliens have invaded and my parents are now pod people. Not sure which, but something isn’t right.

A slight rap on the frame of my bedroom door brings my attention to it. There he stands, waiting for me to allow him in. He’s showered and changed into loose-fitting, black pajama bottoms, a white T-shirt, and bare feet. My gaze rests on them.

Yep, just like I thought. His feet are perfect, just like everything else on him.

Eden’s velvet voice draws my attention back to his gorgeous face.  “So are you going to invite me in, Alyssa? Your mother has informed me of your boredom. I’m here for your amusement, princess.”

With open arms, I say, “Please enter my prison, Eden.”

His chuckle is cute as he moves fluidly across the room, taking a seat on the bed, facing me. In an instant, his knuckles drag across my cheek, making my breath catch in my throat.

Why does his touch do this to me?

“How do you feel, baby?”

Princess and baby in a matter of seconds. He knows how to say the sweet words. My smile is a product of them. “The same. Light headed and groggy.”

His hand creeps up my arm, settling at the back of my neck. He pulls me forward, touching his lips to my forehead.

God, his lips are soft!

Moving his hands to my shoulders, with gentle pressure he eases me back to lay my head on the pile of pillows my mother has placed on my bed.

“If your head is light you shouldn’t be sitting up,” he tells me.

The emerald color of his eyes is the most beautiful color I’ve ever seen. Or is it my drug induced state which makes me see them this way?

“Your eyes are gorgeous.”

OMG! Did I just say that out loud?

His velvet voice is but a whisper. “They are nothing compared to yours, precious.”

Now I can add precious to the list of endearments this guy has in his vocabulary of loving words. Perhaps he’s a ladies’ man.

His charm may have worked magic on my parents, but I’m savvier than they are. It will not work on me.