“Stop.” The word flies out of my mouth before I can stop myself. Her brows knit together as she holds a coffee cup between her hands.
“What’s wrong?”
“I smell.” I sniff the air around me. “Like an onion. Seriously, my eyes are watering.”
She laughs, throwing her head back in that cute little way she’s done since we were kids. Then she walks to the couch anyway and takes a seat by me. Granted, she sits on the opposite end. Smart move, since my pores radiate the stench of what I assume to be the Grinch’s after he chows down on onions.
“I took care of you all night long. I’m pretty much immune to the smell now.”
“You did, didn’t you?” The memories from last night play through my mind—Hadley placing a wet rag on my forehead, helping me take sips of blue Powerade and water, giving me medicine when I asked, and rubbing my back. I’m pretty sure we snuggled too, but maybe that was the fever playing tricks on my brain. “Did we…?”
“Hmm?” She takes a sip of her coffee, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of her lips.
“Did we…you know?” Her smile widens, showing off perfect, white teeth. Her mom didn’t do much for Hadley growing up, but she did make sure Hadley got braces in middle school to correct teeth that were coming in twisted.
“Did we what, Brax?” She tilts her head, feigning innocence in her doe eyes.You dirty player.
“Did you have the best cuddling session of your life last night, even though it was with a surly, sick man?” Pink spreads across her cheeks, but she doesn’t look away. She takes another sip of coffee, her eyes still staring into mine.
“Second best,” she finally says. My heart sinks. Did Dank Nose Daniel still maintain first place position in her eyes? It’s because I stink, not because I don’t know how to be the best big spoon. Trust me, I can spoon. “Mr. Bear will always have first place.”
Laughter erupts from me, and I revel in the mischief flashing in her eyes.
“I’ll see what I can do to removeMr. Bearfrom the throne.” I wink, though the action hurts my head. Everything feels sore. Hadley’s blue eyes crinkle in the corners as she laughs, but then a flash of curiosity appears.
“I look forward to it.” She stands, leaving me to swallow the lump in my throat as she walks to the kitchen area in the small cabin. “I’m going to shower, then you need to take one before I go anywhere confined with you in that truck.”
I watch Hadley walk to the bathroom, not missing the gentle sway of her hips. I’m pretty sure I said some things last night…things that I definitely shouldn’t be saying to a person who is supposed to just be my friend. This road trip is going to be the death of me if I don’t succeed in making that woman mine. Maybe it’s time to play off my loose tongue brought on by my sickened state and up the antics?
I hear my phone buzzing on the wooden kitchen table. I stand up slowly, stretching my back out, then holler a thank you to Hadley for putting my phone on the charger for me last night. I grab a cup and fill it with ice and water from the fridge before checking my phone.
A snap message from Michael.
Michael:How’s it going?
Michael:Your sister made me ask dude.
Michael Kelly is the best brother-in-law I could ask for. He’s been a solid male friendship in our small town outside of church members and the guys I work with. The rest of my time is spent with Dad, with Hadley, or with Hadley and the twins.
I imagine Brandi hovering over his shoulder, waiting for my response. Chuckling, I respond with a sleeping emoji.
Michael:*three coffee emojis*
I snap back with a picture of me sipping my water. I don’t know if my stomach can tolerate coffee just yet. Though I do need to eat something. I find saltine crackers sitting by the couch on the coffee table.
Tears threaten my eyes as I think of everything Hadley did for me through that short, wretched sickness. She treated me just like Mom used to when I was little. Even when I was sick as an adult, Mom would come over and help me out. But it has been a while since I had someone look after me like Hadley did last night through my sickness.
The video call feature goes off with Michael’s name but is undoubtedly my sister.
“Men.” She snorts as our faces fill the screen. Michael laughs in the background.
“What’s up, Brand-o?” I take another sip of my water before munching on saltine crackers. I hold my features intact. One wrong facial expression and Brandi will pounce like a mountain lion. I am cool. Antarctic ice chill.
“Curious as to how your little sub-in road trip as Hadley’s boy toy is going.” Direct as always. She likes Hadley, truly. She just doesn’t think Hadley and I should be together.
She’s the only one in this universe who thinks that, of course.
“It’s good. We’re staying in a cabin in Pigeon Forge. We’ll be here for one more night. Probably going to explore the area today.” Once again, Hadley has not let me in on the plans, no matter how many times I beg her. My streamlined brain feels all out of whack. I need order and plans, but I’m making an effort to go with the flow and make Hadley happy on this road trip she planned.
