I wasted no time taking all of her in. The unkempt hair, the oversized clothes, no bra, and clearly in agony. Yet, she was so real, it was fucking sexy. “I like filthy.”
She attempted to swat me, but her plan was foiled by the shooting pain in her neck. She grimaced and sucked in a breath through her teeth. “Easy slugger, the steam and heat from the shower helps.”
April pushed the blankets off and let out a labored groan. “Fine.”
It was a struggle just to watch her try to inch off the couch. Each movement caused her a flood of pain, and she grimaced and winced. I couldn’t take it anymore. I went and scooped her up, making her shriek.
Once we were in the small bathroom, I set the water, then turned to her. “Need help undressing?”
She rolled her eyes. “No.”
“Ah, just thought I’d do the boyfriend-y thing and ask.”
“I bet.”
Shaking my head and chuckling, I left the bathroom. Not wanting to go through her things, I found a plush white terry robe hanging off her door. I grabbed it. I also found one of those hot beanbag things she used for therapy and went to heat it for her. By the time I had found some essentials, water, made her a tea, and set some of her muscle relaxers on her night table, the water in the shower had turned off.
Her mouth formed an O when she saw everything I’d done. “Wow.”
“Hope this helps.” I grinned sheepishly. I’d never taken care of anyone and for some reason, I needed to, for her.
“It sure will.”
“I also re-arranged the pillows to help support your neck in bed.”
“Thank you.” She shuffled across the room.
I helped her into the bed and placed the heated bagaround her neck. Her body relaxed and she melted into the pillows. “Better?”
“So much better.” She smiled. It was the kind of smile that made my knees weak.
Clearing my throat, I mumbled, “I should let you rest.”
For a moment, her eyes flashed with something like disappointment. “You can stay for a bit.”
“You sure?”
She blushed. “You did all of this.”
“Do you have a chair or something?”
“Get into the bed, you big lug.” She tapped the spot next to her.
Careful not to shift her too much, I moved in beside her. She took a sip of the water and one of the pills at the bedside. “Tell me about today.”
Of course, she’d wanna talk shop. We laid there chatting until she drifted off to sleep, which thanks to the meds, only took about half an hour. She looked peaceful, like she had a bit of relief from the pain finally. My chest swelled. This was not good.
Quietly, I slipped out of the bed and to the front door. There was a little table with a key bowl, mail sorter, and a small whiteboard hung on the wall with a few markers next to it. I scribbled a note about having her keys to lock up and I’d return them tomorrow, then let myself out.
CHAPTER 17
APRIL
It had been a few days since my neck started feeling better. Josh was the reason. His endless massages worked. Otherwise, I’d still be out of commission. He was so great. Attentive, kind, and his hands were honestly good enough that if he wanted a career change, I’d support it. Just thinking ofhowwonderful, was making my chest feel an unwelcomed kick.
Now that I was back on my feet and my neck not at an angle, I’d wanted to do something special for him, to say thanks. But what? A personal massage? Yeah, he’d think that it was a gateway for sex. Hell, I’d thought it when he was rubbing my shoulders. I had to force myself to banish those thoughts. Sex was not something in a fake-dating scenario.
Grabbing my computer, I started to type in thank-you ideas. Finally, I found something I could work with, delivery was set for seven. It was practice day, so he would be home in time.
