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“You cleaned it well,” she admitted.
“Not my first injury.”
She pressed her mouth together and inhaled deeply through her nose. “I could stitch it, or I think some Dermabond with a couple Steri Strips would be fine, too.”
“Great. Glue me back together, nurse.”
He stayed put while she went to the bathroom to get the supplies and wash her hands. When she returned, he popped the top off his beer and took a swig while she got everything set up and sidled up next to him.
They remained silent for a few moments while she worked.
Then, he said, “You look nice.”
She paused, ignoring the single butterfly that had the nerve to take flight behind her bellybutton. “What?”
“It was too quiet so I thought I’d tell you that you looked really nice tonight.”
With a sigh, she resumed her ministrations on his cut. “What are you doing?”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s the kiss, isn’t it? It made things weird.”
“A little.”
“Make it go back.”
“I can’t right now. Not with your chest, like, two inches from my face.”
“You’re such a dick,” she said with a laugh. She might have been angry at his comment, but she’d worn a low-cut shirt to the club and with the way she stood over him, her breasts were indeed invading his personal space. He literally couldn’t look anywhere else unless he moved his head, which wasn’t advisable.
“Sorry. I’ll close my eyes.” And he did, but kept speaking. “But I have to admit I’m feeling self-conscious about that kiss now. Have you not been thinking about it?”
She went with a half-truth. “I’ve thought about it once or twice.”
“Thank fuck. I thought maybe I’d had an off night.”
“Regardless, it can’t happen again.”
“Why not?”
“The obvious is because we’re roommates and it’s a terrible idea. But also because I’m not ready to give up on the idea of finding a real relationship. Do you and I have chemistry? Yeah. With the way we argue, it’s no surprise we’d be good together in bed. But I want something more than physical.”
“Until the time comes for the pact to kick in, you mean.”
“If, in four years, I’m still single, I’ll probably be lonely enough to discuss it.” She finished up and inspected her handiwork. “Done.”
“That was fast.”
“I know. I’m good.”
She put everything back into the first-aid kit. Just as she’d turned toward the hallway, he spoke again.
“You know, I’m still a little miffed you won’t consider marrying me for convenience.”
Claire turned to look at him, and at the hint of insecurity she saw on his face she opted to forgo sarcasm. “Don’t take it personally.”
His brow furrowed and he raked his fingers through his dark hair. “Is there another way to take it?”
