“Go crazy.”
The collection contains a wide spectrum from classical to metal. No single genre appears to take precedence, though one artist does have quite a chunk dedicated to her work.
“Are you a Swiftie?” I ask.
“What gave me away?”
“Oh, nothing, just the multiple pressings of the same album.” I pull three nearly identical albums from their place.
“They're not the same,” she insists. I raise a brow at that. “They're different colorways and they each have different bonus tracks.”
“Right,” I tease.
“Careful, I am sickly and bleeding. Blatant Swiftie hate might push me over the edge.”
“No judge would convict you in these circumstances, you're right.” I slide the records back in their place. “How's the soup?”
“Incredible, actually.”
I tell her about the deli, seeing that it's only a few blocks away, as I continue to peruse her collection. “I also brought you some salty snacks and sour candy. Wanted to cover all bases.”
“I'm suddenly less mad about letting you in.”
“Thought you'd say that. Stick to the soup for now, though.”
I settle on a classic, Fleetwood Mac'sRumors.The crackle of the record is oddly comforting.
“Oh, good choice,” Toni says in approval.
I nod, letting the opening song play for a beat. “My mom is the biggest Fleetwood fan. She says the only reason she gave my dad a chance is because his name is Mick.”
“So you owe your existence to Mick Fleetwood?”
“I'd rather not think about it too hard.”
Toni sets her empty bowl on the makeshift coffee table.
“You want more?” I ask.
Toni tries to stop me from picking up her empty bowl. “You don't need to take?—”
“Do. You. Want. More.” I emphasize each word.
“No,” she huffs.
CHAPTER 19
Toni
“Let's get you to bed,”Cillian says as he returns from the kitchen.
“I wish that sounded sexy.”
He grins, kneeling in front of me. “Don't think I'm not tempted, but sleep will get you better faster than my cock will.”
“You never know.” God, I hope my blush will be attributed to the fever. “Endorphins are powerful things.” My body calls my bluff, choosing to hack up the remaining parts of my lungs.
“Come on. Bed.” He extends a hand, pulling me up.