Page 43 of Just One Night Together
The fight went out of his stance and she knew she’d guessed right. “There’s no improvement from the chemo and radiation.”
“I’m sorry,” Haley said and meant it.
“I signed the DNR tonight,” he admitted heavily. “There won’t be any more treatment.”
If he’d known or suspected the truth before, the reality was hitting him now. Haley waited and watched, more than ready to listen.
Damon hauled his hand out of hers and shoved it through his hair. He swallowed and she was shaken by the anguish in his eyes. “But it’s not your concern.”
He wanted to put distance between them so badly, but he’d made the effort to come and see her. Haley had to think that he needed to talk to someone—and she was the only one in the vicinity.
“You know, I’m starving,” she said lightly. “Instead of saying thanks your usual wonderful way, why don’t you come up for something to eat instead? I’m not much of a cook, but the world always looks better after scrambled eggs and toast.”
“Scrambled eggs and toast?” He looked skeptical and Haley smiled a little.
“Perfect food.”
“Not hardly.”
“I really like scrambled eggs and it’s not good to eat something heavy at this hour.” Haley turned her key in the lock, noting that he didn’t leave. “Come on. Maybe my scrambled eggs will change your perspective.”
Damon shook his head, almost smiling.
“Keep me from eating alone. Come on.”
“Just to eat?”
“Exactly. Aren’t you hungry?”
“Maybe a little.”
“Then eggs it will be.”
His eyes narrowed a little but he caught the top of the door. “You’re not going to argue with me about ending it?”
“Ending the thing? I didn’t think we even had a thing, actually.” There was no one in the lobby. “We had sex and it was great, but athingis something else altogether.” She punched the button for the elevator, aware that he was watching her. “I thought it was one point of agreement between us.”
He made a sound that might have been a muffled laugh. “I was all ready for a fight. You know, the usual one about the future and commitment.”
“It’s not my usual one,” Haley said and stepped into the elevator. “I don’t like to argue. It’s bad for the digestion.”
Damon filled the elevator again, as much with his raw size as his presence. Haley knew he was watching her and halfway wondered if she could change his mind about sex. She dared to say that out loud. “Sex might be good for you, you know. It helps a multitude of ills.”
“So, this is pity?”
Haley laughed as the elevator doors opened at her floor. “No. I like you. I think you need someone to talk to and I volunteer.” She bumped his shoulder, then continued to her apartment.
“You’re doing it again,” he accused as he followed her.
“Doing what?”
“Looking out for others first.”
“It’s a habit.” She flashed him a smile.
He leaned down beside her as she unlocked her apartment door. “So, why is it that you didn’t think this was a thing?”
“It can’t be a thing because I don’t want one.”
