He barked out a laugh. “Uh, no. You can’t. Your ankle looks like a cantaloupe.”
“What?” She made an effort to lift her head. “Everything’s blurry.”
“Your glasses are in the car.”
“Where are my contacts?”
“You took them out.”
“Oh.” Her head lolled on his shoulder. “Wait. Stop.”
He paused. “What is it,Kroshka?”
She lifted a limp hand and pointed. “My room is that way. No, not my room.” Her forehead scrunched and she pouted. “Nik’s room.Theroom. Guest room, I mean.”
“You’re so cute.” He kissed her forehead and continued toward his own room.
“This isyourroom.” Even her mutter sounded accusatory.
“Oh, so youcansee.” He gently deposited her onto his bed.
“I can smell.” She tapped the side of her nose and nearly poked herself in the eye. “It smells like you in here.”
He quirked an eyebrow at her. “Yeah? What do I smell like?”
“Delicious.” She rocked her head side to side on his pillow. “Like that stupid cologne you’re always searching the internet for.”
He snorted, concentrating on making her comfortable in the bed. “It’s my signature scent. I can’t help it if it was discontinued. Trust me, I’ve contacted the designer many times. He’s on the verge of a restraining order.”
“You’re so stubborn.”
“I never said I wasn’t. Sit tight.” After grabbing extra pillows from the hall closet and ice packs from the freezer, he propped up her ankle, bandaged tightly by the nurse.
“Stop it,” she told him.
“Stop what?”
“Taking care of me.”
His hands stilled. In a quiet voice, he said, “It’s what I do.”
She didn’t realize it, but she’d just hit at the heart of who he was. It was all he wanted from life, to have the means to take care of those he cared for most. His parents, his brother, some extended family, and her. He would give her everything, if she let him. If she asked.
He still wasn’t sure where they stood, and as badly as he wanted to keep her in his life, he couldn’t tell her. Not until he was sure.
“Don’t. I’ll take care of myself.”
“You can barely keep your eyes open.”
She opened them now, comically wide. “Yes, I can.”
“You can’t walk.”
“I—” She shut her mouth. “Where are my crutches? I know they gave you some.”
“They’re in the car. You don’t get them until you promise not to go hobbling around unnecessarily. Doctor said you have to keep your ankle elevated and stay off it.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “You’re pissing me off.”
