Using the wall, I push myself up and smooth down my skirt. “Come in.”
The door swings open and Maddox walks in, bags in hand.
My brows shoot up in surprise. “What are you doing here?”
He strides over and hands me the bags. “I went to Target to buy you some things,” he says, blush creeping on his cheeks. “Hopefully they’ll make you feel better.”
I open the bags and examine the contents. It’s filled with different types and sizes of pads and tampons, a bottle of ibuprofen, bananas, chocolate bars, and a large bottle of water. He even threw in five pairs of seamless panties and a wearable portable heating pad. Warmth spreads through me, settling in my chest.
I said some harsh words to him the last time we saw each other, but his attitude toward me never wavered. He continues to be as sweet as ever, which only makes hating him even harder.
I lift my eyes to his and I’m so happy I could cry. “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
A grin pulls at his lips. “You’re welcome. I remember how bad your cramps can get.”
When we were together, Maddox would always take care of me when I was on my period. He would run to the store to get what I needed and buy me whatever food I wanted to satisfy my cravings. Even as a teenager, he was never embarrassed to walk in a store and purchase feminine products.
I sit down on the ground and pop three ibuprofen in my mouth, swallowing them down with water. Since I don’t want the medicine tearing up my stomach, I peel one of the bananas and take a bite.
Maddox plops down next to me and pulls out the heating pad. “Do you need me to help you put it on?”
I nod and pull my blouse out of my skirt, lifting it up to expose my abdomen.
His fingers skim along my side while he secures the heating pad, sending goosebumps racing through me. “What setting do you want it on?”
“The highest, please.”
He presses the button three times and warmth slowly spreads through my stomach.
“Oh my gosh, this feels amazing,” I say, leaning my head back on the wall.
“Can I help you with anything?” he asks, glancing around the room.
“No, it’s fine. I’ll get it done eventually.”
“Come on, Annalise. You can barely stand for more than a few seconds, and you’re as pale as the walls.”
Shaking my head weakly, I lick my lips. “Don’t you have to go meet with Veronica and Trang?”
“They’re in a meeting right now. Veronica said it would take about thirty minutes. Tell me what you need to do and I’ll do it.”
I point to a pile of fabric. “You can help me organize that. Separate it by material and color. The type of material should be labeled at the top. If there’s no label, just set it to the side and I’ll figure it out.”
“Got it.” He smiles, his dimples pitting his cheeks slightly. “Just relax for a little while until you’re feeling better.”
Maddox manages to organize a decent amount of fabric in the span of thirty minutes. We don’t speak much, but I sneak glances at him when he’s not paying attention. There’s still more work to be done, but Maddox has definitely lightened the load.
“How are you feeling?” he asks.
“Much better. The meds are starting to kick in, and this heating pad is a lifesaver. Thank you.” I shoot him a smile and blush spreads on his cheeks.
“I gotta go meet them, but I can come back and help you when I’m done.”
“No, no, I’ll manage. Plus, if Veronica sees you in here,she’ll probably call me lazy and accuse me of forcing you to do my work.”
A small laugh escapes him. “True. I want her to stay off your back as much as possible today.”
“You and me both. Thanks again, Kamado.”
