I was used to functioning like a zombie. “I’ll stay. Be back in a minute.”
“Hey, Eli.” I shook her shoulder gently, not wanting to startle her. She was wearing Reed’s clothes and looking adorable but uncomfortable the way she was scrunched into a ball. “Hey. You’ll be more comfortable in the guest room.”
“Mmm.” She rolled over.
“Your back will be so mad at you tomorrow.” Reed’s couch wasn’t stiff but she was in an odd position.
“I’m too tired,” she whined. “My hand is aching.”
I immediately went into EMT mode. "I’m sorry to hear that. Burns aren’t fun. Did you take an anti-inflammatory?”
Eloise glanced over her shoulder as if seeing me for the first time. Her gorgeous honey-brown eyes were hooded and thick with sleep. “Um, it was right after August left. I took two ibuprofen.”
I checked my phone because August had texted after he left the house. We wanted to make sure the two of them were okay, especially Reed in case his head was worse than August initiallythought. “Let me get you another dose.” Leaving her on the couch, I found Reed’s bottle and returned with the pills and a bottle of water. Opening them, I shook two out into my hand.
“You don’t need to take care of me,” she protested, but winced again. Her actions were not aligned with her words.
“Open your mouth.”
My tone seemed to break through her sleep-fog and she popped her mouth open obediently. Assisting her though she didn’t really need my help, I fed her two pills. She blinked once then accepted the water bottle and swallowed.Good girl.It took restraint not to say it aloud, to praise her for something simple. It felt like second nature to me, but I wasn’t sure Eli would appreciate it.
“Thank you, King.”
“You’re welcome. Come here. I’ll carry you.” Waiting patiently, I stood next to the couch. She let out a long breath and sat up, extending her arms. Small victory. I lifted her, scoping her against my chest.
“I’m not used to this,” she murmured.
“Which part?”
“All of it. It’s been a crazy sort of day.”
“Every day is a crazy day in Falcon Creek,” I said, turning into the guest room.
“You haven’t even been here that long and you’re right.”
“A decade isn’t long enough?” I asked, laughing.
“You know what I meant! I told you that I’m tired,” she said quietly.
I pulled back the sheets with one hand and lowered her to the mattress. “I don’t usually speak unless I’m right. There you go. A queen-size bed fit for a princess.”
“I’m not a princess, Kingston.”
I tucked her in and was happy to see her cuddle into the blankets. We didn’t know each other that well, but I liked takingcare of people that were important to me. She was important by association, especially since Reed had been talking about her non-stop since they met. “You deserve a good night’s sleep.”
“I appreciate it, and yeah, everyone does.” Her voice was thick with sleep making her even more adorable.
“I grabbed you a few extra packets of burn gel from my kit and put them next to your purse.” August had given me a quick rundown earlier in case anything escalated with them. Luckily it hadn’t.
“I appreciate it. Thank you for thinking of me.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. Get some sleep.” I patted her arm and shut the door.
“Night, King.”
“Sweet dreams.”
Strutting along the hallway, I returned to Reed’s bedroom. Typically when I stayed over, I slept in the guest room, but I’d just put Eli in there. Stripping out of my sweats and t-shirt left me in silky black boxer-briefs. I climbed into the bed, looking over at Reed.
