“Thanks. Me too.” My throat got that fuzzy feeling, like I needed water. It was like Jordan read my mind, because she handed me the soda can, and I welcomed it.
My parents left, Price and Jordan remaining with me once the door shut. Price opened his mouth, but before he could speak, I said, “Leave. I want to be alone with Jordan.”
“Damn. You shouldn’t go at it this soon after surgery, dude. That’s not healthy.”
Instead of ridiculing him, Jordan laughed and hugged him. “Thank you. Seriously.”
He hugged her back, and his gaze softened. He didn’t look like the playboy tool he was. He squeezed her hard, his face readingyeah she’s a keeper.He patted her back before pointing at me. It must be a family trait because there’d been a lot of finger points tonight. “Be smart. Get fucking better. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He finally left, leaving Jordan and I alone, and that was all I wanted.
25
JORDAN
Once Price left, leaving Preston and I alone, it felt like the walls were closing in on me. Seeing Preston so vulnerable caused an uncomfortable pang in my chest where I wanted to do anything to make him feel better. Literally anything.
“Stop staring at me like that,” he said, his voice barely audible. “You’re looking at me like I’m gonna break. I’m not.”
“I know you’re not.” I leaned against the farthest wall from him, taking in the curls resting against his forehead and the dent between his brows. A slight blush rushed up his neck and face, and I sighed. “I know what you need.”
“Do you? Because I’m not sure I even fucking know.” He closed his eyes and leaned back farther into the pillow, exhaustion overtaking every one of his features.
It was ten at night—the last four hours a complete blur. The sweater and slacks he wore were long gone, my black dress the only reminder that we’d been on a date tonight. Something we really hadn’t even begun to discuss.
The caretaker in me roared to life, assessing his mood andexpression and adjusting to fit whatever he needed. It was clear he wanted me to stay with him but for how long? And why?
“Okay, Charming, you want me to spend the night with you?”
He blinked before he studied his wrist. It wasn’t that interesting so he definitely avoided my eyes. “Only if you’re up for it. I’m sure you need sleep and are tired.”
“God, could you be more of a lying liar?”
“What?” His eyes flashed.
“You’re full of shit. You want me to stay. Say it.”
“Of course I want you to stay, but I don’t want to freak you out. You’re one comment away from running from me, and I just can’t… I don’t want to deal with that.”
He ran his hands over his face, groaning, and I felt like shit.
He wasn’t exactly wrong, but I hated causing him any stress. My chest did that aching thing again, and I pushed off the wall and scooted his mom’s former chair closer to him. “Let’s play odds.”
“Right fucking now?” Preston side-eyed me, his voice laced with disbelief.
I grinned, scooting closer in the chair I’d just dragged toward his bed. “Yes, right now. You need to stop sulking, Charming. And I’m pretty sure I’m the perfect distraction.”
His lips twitched, a reluctant smile threatening to break through his gloom. “I mean, you are a distraction. Can’t figure out if it’s the best or worst kind, if I’m being honest. Now what’s the range?”
“One to ten. I’ll start easy.” I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “Odds you’ll wear a hospital gown backward for an hour tomorrow, so it looks like you’re rocking a superhero cape?”
Preston blinked, his expression torn between disbelief and amusement. “You’re kidding.”
“Do I look like I’m kidding?” I raised a brow, giving him my best challenge-me smirk.
“Three,” he said, shaking his head.
“Three it is. Ready? Three, two, one?—”
