He replaces his slice of pizza into the box and turns to look at me, as if he were undressing me with his gaze. “What I’m hungry for isn’t in this fucking box.”
I bite my lip. “Then maybe you should take a bite at what you’re really craving.”
“Oh, believe me: I fucking will. But we need to build up your strength, first.”
“Well, if it’s what you want…” I say, reaching for the last slice. “You don’t mind, right?”
Nick heaves a deep sigh. “Jesus, Casey. You’re really here. What the hell did I do to deserve you?”
I put down my pizza and slide over to him. I sit myself on his lap and take his face in my hands.
“You’ve just been yourself, Nick. Completelyyou. And that’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted.”
“But…”
“No. No buts,” I smile at him, feeling a weight sit itself onto my heart. “Nick, I want to ask you – and not because I’m scared or anything, but… I want to know what’s going on. Always. Even if you think it’ll hurt me. Okay?”
He nods.
“Are you…okay?” I ask him, the anxiety palpable in my chest. “Your illness…”
Nick smiles at me. “I’m fine. I’ve never gone into remission, and I have a check-up every year.”
I hold him tightly to me and lean my head against his shoulder. Nick wraps his arms around me and whispers: “Now I’m much better.”
“Me, too, Nick.”
“And if you’re done with dinner, I couldreallymake you feel better.”
I pull apart from him a little. “What did you have in mind?”
“You know, after everything that’s happened, I think we both deserve to relax a little.”
I look at him, one eyebrow raised. “Are you finally about to show me yourpièce de résistence?”
“I’m about to show youallmy hidden talents.”
“Well, in that case, dessert can wait.”
“Yours, maybe; but not mine.”
* * *
“Oh, God!”
“Stop doing that.”
“It’s not my fault. I love it.”
He laughs, kissing my shoulder again. “Now calm down and let me give you this fucking massage.”
I lean against him as his hands start to slide down my back.
“Oh, yes…yeah, right there…”
“Please, try and restrain yourself.”
“You have magic hands.”
