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“I’ll make a deal with you.” He leans in and gently kisses me. “You can come into the living room and I’ll set you up with a nice warm blanket and a book, but youhaveto take your pills.”
I want to fight him, want to tell him I’m an adult who can make her own decisions, but the longer I sit on the edge of the tub feeling wobbly and weak, the harder it is to argue.
“Okay, deal.” Blaze smiles and I feel as if I’ve just won the dang lottery. I’m in serious trouble if simply pleasing him makes me so happy.
“Good.” He picks me up and I don’t fight him. When he walks back into the room, he’s made the bed and set out fresh pajamas for me. As much as I want to wear real clothes, I’m sure I’ll be asleep again soon enough anyway, so pajamas are definitely the way to go.
Blaze sets me on the bed and, before I can do anything, he slips the nightgown over my head. I should insist on taking over, but the more he steps in and takes care of everything for me, themore I want to let him. When he’s done helping me dress, he lifts me again and carries me to the living room where he already has everything ready.
“I can do basic things.” I sigh as I sink into the couch, my legs propped up on a pillow.
He places a blanket over me and hands me a book. “I know you can, but I never get to do this. Let me enjoy myself.” He goes and grabs a glass of water and my pills. I take them and lean back.
“What will I do when you’re gone then?” I hate the vulnerability in my voice.
“Who says I’m going anywhere?”
My heart races at his words and I want to ask him what he means, but the moment passes and I’m too scared to push it. My pills kick in far sooner than I’m ready. Before closing my eyes and giving in to the sleep I need to heal, I gaze at Blaze at the other end of the couch, staring at his computer. This domestic scene is something I could get used to. Maybe I’ll freeze the moment for the many lonely nights I’m sure are coming.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Blaze
I’m restless as I climb the hill to the main house. I’m tense leaving Cori for any length of time, but she’ll be knocked out for hours. Those pills are strong. Maybe she’ll be well enough by tomorrow to take something a little less potent. I hope so. As much as I love seeing the woman in bed, I don’t enjoy seeing her hurt and helpless. I love taking care of her — a little too much, if I’m honest with myself.
I don’t know what in the hell is happening to me anymore. I’m sure I won’t find any answer with Zach, but he’s the only person around right now, so I’m seeking him out. I find him on the back deck. My brother looks distracted when he sees me approaching. This is nothing new. Zach’s always been a workaholic.
“You’ve risen from the guest house,” Zach says with a knowing look.
“It’s not like that. Cori’s been sick.” I scowl as I sit beside my brother.
“And you’ve been domesticated it seems,” Zach say. “I’m enjoying it.”
“We’ve been doing this treasure hunt together — and... I don’t know. It seems like it’s becoming something more.” I’m seriously confused.
“You were a fool to leave the girl ten years ago. I believe having old feelings emerge is scaring the living hell out of you. But, you should probably wake up soon and realize that you’re fighting a losing battle.”
I’m shocked by Zach’s words. For a moment I don’t know what to say. This isn’t the typical conversation the two of us share. It’s throwing me off.
“What made you so romantic?”
Zach shrugs. “I don’t know.”
“You were always the first in line against long-term commitment and now you think I should settle down? I would never have guessed you to play cupid.”
“I’ve never claim to be a matchmaker. I’m just saying that I’ve seen you and Cori together and I think you’re made for each other. I’ve seen you without her and you’re reckless and foolish most of the time. Maybe it’s true that we need our other half to be whole.”
“Whoa, that is far too much yoga talk for me. I’m getting a beer.”
“It’s only two in the afternoon,” Zach points out.
“Well, I’ve traveled all over the world to many different time zones and it’s certainly five o’clock somewhere.”
Zach laughs. “Then you might as well grab one for me too, since I’m sick of this project.” It doesn’t take me long to get back to my brother who shuts his computer and gives me a smug look. For my brother to quit work is saying something. It’s scary how much things can change.
“Have you talked to Callan lately?” I really could get used to sitting in one place for a while instead of rushing out on a new assignment every few weeks or months. It’s odd. This thoughtshould be terrifying, but I’ve missed Zach. Heck, I’ve miss both of my siblings.
“We’ve talked a bit more since the old man passed. I don’t know if it’s made us face our own mortality or what, but I have to say, it feels good to be home.”
