“He is.” She chuckled but immediately touched her head. The tightening of her eyes was small, but he didn’t miss it.
“You need to rest.”
She shook her head. “No, I need to help you—”
“You’re not helping me. Your options are to relax on the couch, where we can watch a movie, or in bed.”
Her brows arched. “You want to watch a movie with me?”
Why did she ask him that like it was a crazy idea? “I do. But only if you’re up to it.”
“But…shouldn’t I get home?”
Shit. He’d been waiting for that question.
He chose his words carefully. “I’d prefer you to stay here, in the spare room…at least for tonight.” If it was up to him though, it would be longer.
When she remained silent, he left his seat and lowered to his haunches in front of her. “You passed out on me, Harper. That scared the shit out of me. I just…I need to know you’re okay. For tonight.”
Her bottom lip disappeared between her teeth, and for a moment he was sure she’d say no. Or at least put up a fight.
“Okay.”
The air whooshed from his chest. “Okay?”
“Yeah.”
Without giving her any warning, he slid his hands behind her back and knees and lifted her.
She gasped and grabbed onto him. “Cody! What are you doing?”
“Making sure you’re taken care of so you never want to leave.” So much damn truth to that statement. He lowered her to the couch but continued to hover over her. “Now, I’m going to run downstairs to feed Tommy. When I get back, I want to see you right here.”
“But—”
“No getting up. No clearing the table. No washing any dishes.”
“Cody—”
“I need you to promise me, Harper. I take my duties as your nurse very seriously.”
Her lips twitched like she was fighting back a laugh. “My nurse? You don’t look like any nurse I’ve ever had before.”
“Harper…”
“Fine. I promise I’ll stay right here.”
“Good.” Then, because he couldn’t stop himself, he leaned forward and touched his lips to hers. “And think of what movie you want to watch.”
Those were his last words before he slipped out of the apartment and moved down the stairs.
He’d tried to get word around town that the bar was closed, but he’d also put a sign on the door. Not everyone would be happy, but he didn’t care. He never shut the place last minute, but there’d been no part of him capable of leaving Harper as she was.
No one’s ever looked after me like that while I’ve been sick.
Her words repeated in his head, burning through him like acid. Fuck, what kind of life had she lived? What had she done when she was a kid and sick with the flu? Had she just been expected to look after herself?
The idea made his chest tear in two.
