Once in the bathroom, I slip out of my clothes and step into the tub. Unable to scrub my own back, I dribble some body wash over my back and then turn on the water and do the best I can, washing the soap off and attempting to scrub myself. It’s a quick shower, I’m in and out, drying off quickly and returning to my bedroom, where I throw on a simple black T-shirt and sweatpants.
When I return to Lilly’s bedroom, she hasn’t moved, and the only thing different from when I left is that she’s humming while dancing her fingers across her stomach. When she spots me, she smiles sheepishly. “Now that I think about it, I believe I might’ve thrown up on your back.”
Christ, this woman.
Shaking my head and trying not to smile from how ridiculous she is, I sit on the edge of her bed and cup her cheek softly.
“You’re such a pain in my ass.”
She chuckles. “Did I scare you?”
“What do you think?”
She taps her chin. “Hmm, well, given your grumpy disposition and the fact that you don’t like to show your true feelings, I’m going to say yes.”
“Yes, you scared me. Seeing you pass out like that... is not something I want to see again.”
“Awww, Keller, you care about me.” She pokes my stomach playfully.
“Yeah, I do, so don’t fucking scare me like that.” I connect my forehead with hers and press a small kiss to the tip of her nose.
She loops her hand around my neck, holding me in place. “It’s cute when you’re all grumbly and scared. I like you fussing over me.”
“Yeah, well, no more passing out, and no more puking on my back. You’re hot, Lilly... but not that hot to forgive a second round of that shit.”
She laughs and then says, “Oh shit, I need to brush my teeth.”
“I was going to mention that...”
“Are you saying my breath stinks?”
“Let’s just say it’s not minty fresh.”
Her hand clamps over her mouth, her eyes wide. “Oh my GOD! Ew, don’t look at me, I’m hideous.”
I chuckle some more and help her up from the bed. With her arm looped through mine, I help her into the bathroom and assist her in brushing her teeth. Once she’s “freshened up,” I bring her back to the bed, where I gently lay her down.
“I’m going to go check on Brimar. You stay here, get some rest.”
“I want to check on him too.”
“Lilly, don’t make me fight you over this. You hit your head again. You need to take a second to just relax.”
“But I want to see if he’s okay.”
“You will in a bit, just relax for now.”
“Fine, but only because the thought of walking down the stairs at the moment feels exhausting, not because you told me to stay here.”
“At least you’re honest.” I start to walk away, but she clears her throat.
“Uh, excuse me?”
“What?” I ask her.
She taps her lips with her finger. “I’m going to need a kiss. That’s unless you want me chasing behind you, looking for one.”
I smirk and lower down as I say, “You’re absurd.” I kiss her lips sweetly and then lift off the bed. “Stay put. I’ll be back to get you.”
