For the first few minutes, Olivia simply stood still, letting the hot water run over her entire body. She looked down and cringed. The water surrounding her was nearly black from the dirt and blood that had covered her.
It wasn’t until after she’d shampooed her hair three times, thoroughly washed her body just as many, and shaved that the water finally became clear.
She dried off and rubbed the lavender and vanilla-scented lotion the guys had gotten her over her smooth, clean skin. Wearing nothing but a towel, she used the wall-mounted blow dryer before brushing the hair she would have sworn could never feel clean again.
Olivia had just clicked the blow dryer back into its cradle when a knock at the door startled her. Jake spoke from the other side, and she inwardly cursed herself for being so jumpy.
“Liv?”
“Yeah?”
“Trevor’s out here. He wants to take a look at your feet.”
“Okay. I’ll be out in a sec.”
“Take your time.”
Looking around the small room, she contemplated her options. Going out there in the towel was most definitely out of the question. There was the nightgown, but as she held it up again, she decided it was much too intimate for Jake’s teammates. That left the dress.
As soon as she had it on, Olivia gave herself a once-over in the mirror. For a split second, she wished she had some makeup, then rolled her eyes. They’d all seen her at her absolute worst, so anything else was a definite improvement.
She tossed the t-shirt, boxers, and disgusting bandages into the small wastebasket and tidied up the sink. After running the brush through her hair one last time, she opened the door and stepped out into room.
Jake and Trevor were both sitting at the small table talking, but when they saw her, all talking ceased. Jake’s eyes met hers, and suddenly, Olivia felt very subconscious.
She licked her lips nervously and ran her fingers through her hair. “I-I know I still look a mess...”
Beneath the table, Trevor gave Jake a not-so-discrete kick in the shin. Jake cleared his throat, “You, uh, you look...fine.”
Rolling his eyes, Trevor shook his head, making Olivia smile. Standing up, he said, “Hop on the bed, and I’ll check you out.”
She sat down on the bed closest to the table. Trevor crouched down in front of her, gently picking up each foot to inspect her soles.
They were still a little sore, but the hot water seemed to do wonders. After cleaning them with antiseptic wipes, Trevor applied antibiotic cream to the cuts.
“I think you’ll make it,” he teased as he finished putting away his supplies. “I’ll leave the ibuprofen and antibiotics for you, but it would probably be best if you got something in your stomach before taking them. You’re dehydrated, so don’t overdo it on the food or liquids. Small bites, chew slowly, sip your drink...”
“She’s a nurse, Trev. She knows what to do.”
Trevor looked at her apologetically. “Right. Sorry.”
“It’s okay.” Olivia smiled. “I actually did forget about the small sips when Jake first gave me some water in the jungle.”
Trevor grimaced. “You get sick?”
“Definitely not one of my finer moments.”
Trevor gave her a little wink. “It’s okay. We’ve all been there. Trust me.”
Olivia couldn’t imagine fierce men like these doing something as weak as vomiting.
Trevor walked back over to the table. “I’ve got her covered, Jake. Why don’t you go shower. I’ll wait here until you’re done.”
“Alright.”
Jake stood. When he stretched his arms above his head, the hem of his dirty shirt rose above his waist, displaying only a glimpse of his perfectly tanned, washboard abs. Olivia had to force herself not stare.
He grabbed his sack of goodies and headed for the bathroom, stopping briefly in front of her. “I won’t be long.”
