Come on, man. Who else would it be?
“Yes, it’s me.” She flitters into the room, rushing to my side to tug on the corner of my blanket, pulling it out from where it is wrapped around my legs. She seems to have a sixth sense for this, instinctively knowing how to make me feel better. Though, realistically, just her mere presence makes me feel better. “What’s going on?” she asks, standing at my bedside.
“I can’t sleep,” I admit.
Her eyes travel over my chest and stomach, as I sit naked from the waist up, and I note the way her breath catches and the way she slowly licks her lips. Despite the kaleidoscope of black and blue bruises colouring my skin, I can tell she likes what she sees.
Now I feel infinitely better.
After a long, charged moment, she shakes her head and smooths out the sheet over my legs, her coconut scent drifting from her hair up into my nose. “Have you taken your pain meds?”
I shake my head no. I’ve been avoiding taking the meds since leaving the hospital for two reasons. One, I hate the idea of how addictive they can be. And two, and most importantly, James gleefully informed me of how loopy I behaved around Cherry at the hospital and my male pride didn’t want to go through that again.
Not with her.
“Wait here,” she sighs. I watch her walk away, my hands fisting the sheets next to me as I get a proper look at what she’s wearing. Or not wearing, as the case may be.
“Those damn pyjamas again,” I mutter under my breath, forcing my gaze up to the ceiling. “I think she’s trying to kill me with those things.”
“Here.” She re-emerges from my ensuite bathroom and leans over to hand me my pills. The front of her shirt gapes open and I jerk away from her, moaning as my ribs burn in protest.
“Nicky,” she chides me, not realising she’s causing me the most discomfort, coming in here looking and smelling like that. “Take these. It will help.”
My mouth sets in a mutinous line as we stare at each other. It’s not until she utters a “Nicky, please,” that I give in. I’ll give her everything when she uses that pleading tone.
I swallow the pills as she swallows her triumphant smile, and I lean back, blowing out a shallow breath.
“Let me get you some ice.”
“Thank you, Cherry.” I grab her hand to stop her from leaving. “I’m sorry I’ve been a bear.”
She giggles; her dimple popping, lifting my spirits. “You’ve been fine. I can’t imagine what all this must feel like.”
I look down at where she’s waving. The bruises on my ribs and chest are darker and more painful looking than yesterday. According to Cherry and Doctor Google, this means they are healing. According to me, this means they hurt like the devil.
“I’ll go and get you that ice pack.” She squeezes my hand and hurries out of the room.
I watch her until she’s out of sight before letting out another deeper groan. She’s been such an attentive nurse since she offered to look after me at the hospital, tending to my every medical need. But I’ve seen the way she’s looking at me when she thinks I’m unaware. Watching me in pain is hurting her, so I’m spending most of my time pretending to be better than I am. It’s exhausting, but also worth it to wipe that tight, pained expression off her face.
Feeling the effects of the medications kicking in, I inch my body down to a lying position and close my eyes. The burning sensation in my chest and stomach has dulled enough that I could fall asleep now, but I’m struggling through it. Cherry will be back here any minute; I don’t want to miss out on any time with her. Even if looking at her in that outfit is causing me more discomfort than my bruised ribs.
“Here you go.” I hear her soft, melodious voice through what feels like cotton wool in my head. I turn towards the sound, fighting against the blackness enveloping me. Blinking against my sluggish eyelids, I look over to find her sitting in a chair next to mybed, sans ice pack, with a blanket over her lap. Like she’s settling in for the night. A night of watching over me.
Not going to happen.
“Cherry?” I mumble, my tongue thick in my mouth. I knew I shouldn’t have taken those pills. “What are you doing?
“I’m making sure you’re okay.”
Her words jumble around in my head. “I’m fine. You should go to bed.”
“I will.” She stays unmoving, leaning back in her chair, her eyes glued to me.
“Cherry, it’s the middle of the night.” At least I’m pretty sure it is. Who knows, with the way my head is spinning, it could be morning. “I won’t be able to sleep if I know you’re sitting here next to me.”
Her lips set in a firm line. “Just pretend I’m not here.”
This penetrates my muffled thoughts, and I scoff. “That is never going to happen.”
