AllFreeNovel
Share Us
A glorious smile, one dimple to the side, spread across her face. “You do know a lot about cramps.”
It was the strangest compliment TJ had ever received. It had led to the best friendship he’d ever had. He wasn’t willing to lose that now.
“Let me help you, Melody.” He stood beside the couch looking down at her. She wore leggings that fit like a second skin and a loose top that relaxed around every curve. He had no problem understanding why any man in his right mind would want to get into bed with her. Principles or not, he wasn’t immune to desire for Melody. He’d felt it since he was a fresh teenager with raging hormones. He was feeling it now. The knowledge of her menstrual cycle did nothing to deter the intensity of his longing for her.
He loved her, plain and simple.
“What can I do? Have you taken acetaminophen or anything yet? And where do you keep your electric heating pad?”
* * * * *
Melody watched TJ move around her house like he owned the place. A cup of water was pressed to her hand along with a small white pill. Next, he placed a soft, flat rectangle on her stomach, and within seconds, heat settled throughout her, soothing the bitter ache that consumed her body. He knelt at her side, and when his hand brushed the hair out of her face, Melody had the overwhelming urge to burst into tears all over again.
Why was he here now? After what he knew?
“Thank you,” she whispered, having no energy to speak louder.
His face was serious as he gazed at her, his fingers lingering in the hair near her ear. “You’re welcome. Do you remember what I said the day I met you? You were so embarrassed when I dragged you to the nurse’s station.”
She smiled at the memory. “You said ‘It’s not your fault you’re a girl.’ ”
A sudden grin teased TJ’s face. She had known many handsome men. But TJ’s face was dearer to her than any other. “It’s still not your fault. But I’m sure glad you’re a girl.”
She didn’t know what to say to that, so she closed her eyes, taking pleasure from his gentle touches along her hairline.
“How about a cup of tea?”
“Sounds wonderful.”
A few minutes later, clad in his coat, he handed her a warm mug. “I’ll be back in a few, okay? Try to rest.”
She had no other plans at present.
As promised, he returned twenty minutes later, and a disbelieving puff escaped Melody’s mouth at what he held in hand.
“I know women like chocolate during their periods. You like chocolate when you’renoton your period. So, this calls for large amounts.” He extended a huge, pink, heart-shaped package. “Sorry, the only chocolate I could find was for Valentine’s Day.”
Pulling herself into a sitting position and wincing as fresh pain shot through her body, Melody reached for the giant case of chocolate. “It all tastes the same.” She wasted no time tearing the plastic wrapping off to grab the first chocolate she unearthed. Popping it in her mouth, she nodded toward the bouquet of red roses in TJ’s hand. “What are the flowers for?”
“To cheer you up.” He offered a crooked smile, a bit shy. “Again, all I could find was flowers for—”
“Valentine’s Day. It’s okay. Roses are my favorite.”
“I know.” He stepped into her kitchen, searching for a vase.
“Top cabinet on the left.”
“Thanks.” He came out with the flowers and set them on the nearest surface to her. “Coordinates with your heart garlands, too.”
“And you made fun of them.” Shetssked, shaking her head.
“Now, that’s my Melody.”
They both froze at his words.
“What I mean is, you’re sounding more like your usual self.” Ducking his head, he pulled out a chair at her table and set his laptop down.
“What are you doing?”
