“You sure? You took some pain meds when you got back, they’re not helping?”
“They’re helping fine,” he said with a groan. “I just…overdid it with the walk.”
Julia crinkled her brow as she skirted the bed and pressed a hand against Kyle’s forehead. His skin was clammy. “Okay, let’s check your temperature.”
“No, Julia, I’m fine.”
“Then, you won’t mind me checking.”
“I do mind. I’m busy watching this terrible movie with my sister.”
“You’re not. You were arguing over which movie to watch,” she answered as she crossed the room to grab the digital thermometer.
“Julia, I’m fine. I’m a doctor, remember? I know when I’m sick and when I’m not.”
She approached the bed with a shake of her head when she caught sight of a streak of red on his t-shirt. She leaned closer, setting the thermometer on the nightstand. “Is that blood?”
“No,” he said, sliding his arm across his abdomen.
“Kyle,” she said, her voice a warning as she tugged at his arm.
He tried to hold it steady, but he finally let her pull it away.
“Itisblood. You’re bleeding.”
“A little blood is normal,” he answered.
She shook her head. “No, it’s not. Let me see your stitches.”
“It’s fine. I already checked them. I’m fine.”
She set her hands on her hips. “Then you won’t mind if I look.”
“I do mind,” he answered.
She arched an eyebrow, offering him an incredulous glance as she crossed her arms. “Really? Why?”
He lifted a shoulder in the air. “I haven’t been working out. I’d rather you think I have washboard abs.”
“Are you kidding me? Lift up your shirt,” Julia said with a flick of her finger.
“You’re being a baby,” Sierra said. “She doesn’t care what your abs look like, duh. She’s not dating you.”
“I just…can I have a moment alone with Julia?” Kyle asked.
“Oh, whoa,” Sierra said, her nose wrinkling. “That seems borderline inappropriate.”
“I’m not going to do anything inappropriate. I just…need to talk to her alone about some personal stuff.”
“Uhhhh–” Sierra murmured her gaze flicking between Kyle and Julia.
“It’s fine, Sierra,” Julia said.
Sierra centered her gaze on Kyle. “Don’t kiss her.”
He held his hands up in defeat. “I’m not going to kiss her, I promise.”
Sierra slid off the bed and, after one final glance, disappeared from the room.
