“Uh-uh,” she said. “I said one grab. When you’re all better, you’re gonna pay for that.”
“Looking forward to it,” I said, my mask covering my grin. She slid off my bed to my whine. “Who’s gonna keep me warm today? You can’t go to work.”
“Am I supposed to tell them that I’m tending to my client?”
“I am your client. And your highest-dollar one, no? Surely my health and happiness come first.”
“Don’t get cocky, Ober. I’ll get one richer than you, yet.”
She buttoned her blouse and tucked it into her skirt, topping it with a cardigan.
“None of those sexy tights today?”
She shrugged. “Nah. I got a space heater for my office. I’m all set now.”
Why was I hatching a diabolical scheme to steal her space heater? I watched her put on her makeup and wind her golden hair into an elegant bun in the bathroom.
“I’ll miss you today,” I called.
“Just get better. Call the team doctor today and have themcheck on you,” she said, sitting on the edge of my bed again, fully dressed for work. “I hope you feel better. You scared me last night. Call me if you need anything.”
I traced a finger down her arm. “And our little arrangement?”
“Starts when you’re all the way better. I don’t want this disease.”
“Yes, teacher.”
I could do this. It was a strange situation. I needed to have my heart involved, but my head knew Annie and I would just be friends. I could get better physically while maintaining a friendship. It wouldn’t be a relationship. We’d both be scratching an itch, while emotionally trusting each other. Nothing more.
Because that’s all we could be.
Chapter 22
Annie
OCTOBER | Balance: $50,262
Hey. Just checking in before I leave work.
You okay?
NICK OBERBECK
Slept all day. Doc brought me some numbing meds for my throat so I could eat and gave me IV fluids. Keeping me steady on the other meds till the fever goes away. I’m out a couple games
Thanks again for taking care of me. You are an angel for real
No problem. Glad you’re doing better.
Thanks for helping me move
Anytime
Greg misses you
Oh, Greg does?
Yeah. He said he wanted the blonde lady to come back with her high heels
