"You don't have to help.I can manage."
He just raised a brow and continued his gentle drying of my hair.He pulled the strands back and squeezed the excess water."You want to brush your teeth?"
I nodded."I'd love to."
He hung up the second towel to dry and squeezed toothpaste onto my brush.Then he handed it to me.
I held the towel closed with one hand.I was fairly sure I still looked close to death, so he shouldn't find me attractive.Not that he did on a good day either.
He stepped out to give me privacy, and I leaned heavily on the vanity as I brushed, then spit out the toothpaste.I rinsed several times until my mouth felt clean.I set my brush down on the counter.
"You want to get dressed, and I'll get some dry toast for you?"His voice was surprisingly soft.
"I don't know if I can eat anything."
"I can run out and get some saltines then.I didn't see any in your pantry.I'll be right back if you think you'll be okay for a few seconds."
"Of course, but you don't need to do that.I'll be okay," I insisted.
"You have my number if you want to text me anything you'll need.I was planning on getting bread, apple sauce, popsicles, and the ingredients for soup."
"You don't have to go through all this trouble."I stepped out of the bathroom.
"Take your time getting dressed.I changed your sheets so you can get into bed."
Before I could remind him that he didn't have to change my sheets or go to the store, the front door had opened and closed, leaving me alone.I was tempted to fall onto the bed and sleep for a million years.But I had a store to open.
My cell phone said it was already ten.I couldn't be seen as a flake.It was never a good idea not to be open on the times and dates you said you would be.I wanted to be on a consistent schedule so customers knew what to expect.
But I couldn't go yet.I was too weak and exhausted.I probably should try to eat something.There was an iced water on the nightstand with a Post-it note.It said,Try to take small sips.
He was probably worried I'd sneak downstairs and open the store.The question was, why did he care what I did?I thought he was content to avoid me as much as possible.
I got the impression he was counting down the days until the project was over, and he could move on.I figured that was why he was working on weekends.The quicker he could finish the job, the sooner he could get away from me.
I forced myself to move toward the dresser and pulled out panties, sweats, and a T-shirt.I felt hot from last night.I pulled on socks and grabbed a sweatshirt in case I got cold.I had a feeling I wouldn't be moving from wherever I parked my body.
Since the sheets were fresh, I climbed into bed and sighed in relief.My body ached from laying on the hard tile all night, and it felt good to rest on something soft.The pillow was cool under my cheek, and I wanted to close my eyes.
My phone buzzed, and I picked it up to read Maverick's message.
Maverick: You'd better be in bed.
I lifted my phone and snapped a selfie, adding a caption before I hit Send.
Belle: So bossy.
Maverick: That's my girl.
My heart skipped a beat.I wasn't his girl and never would be.He was just being nice because I looked awful.
Why was he being so nice to me?He could have called Clara or one of the other shop owners to come over.He could have insisted on calling my mother.I wasn't sure she'd come, but he could have done any number of things except help me shower and run to the store.
He probably felt responsible for me.But once he'd bought the groceries, he'd be on his way.
The next thing I knew, there was a dip in the bed, and I was opening my eyes.
I rubbed them.They felt gritty.
