"You should eat something."
I sat up, and Maverick set a plate of toast on the nightstand.He helped to fluff the pillows behind my back.
I hadn't bothered to put on a bra, and my nipples were sensitive under the soft cotton of my T-shirt.I wished I'd put on the sweatshirt to cover them.
"I made toast.But why don't you try a few saltines first?"
I took one from him and carefully nibbled it.I wasn't hungry, but I was eager to move past this stage of sickness and feel better.If I had to eat to feel better more quickly, then I would.
"That's a good girl."
My body flushed.Why did he keep calling me that?"I thought you hated me?"
His eyes flashed with irritation."You scared me when I found you on the floor.I thought something had happened."
"Something more than a stomach virus?"I asked.
He cleared his throat."Yeah."
"Thanks for checking on me and buying groceries, but you don't need to hang around.I'll be okay."
He gave me a look."If I leave, you're going to go downstairs and try to work."
I grimaced."How did you know?"
"The store is important to you, and I'm sure you're upset that you can't be down there."
I chewed my lip."Customers expect me to be open."
"I called Aspen and let her in.She figured out the cash register and is checking people out.And don't worry.She's telling everyone you're sick."
I lowered the cracker, waiting for the bite to settle in my stomach."You asked your sister to work for me?"
He handed me the water, urging me to drink."She didn't have to work at the inn this morning, so she was free."
"That was really nice of her."I'd have to thank her somehow.
"I owe her one."
"Iowe her a favor."I sipped the water tentatively, not sure if the cool liquid would settle in my stomach.
He took the glass back."She was happy to help you.Me?Not so much."
"Are you grouchy with everyone?"I asked, genuinely curious.I never saw him interact with his family, and we'd had brief interactions at school.That was it.
He sighed."That's what they say."
"I thought it was just me."
"It's possible I'm grouchier with you, and I'm sorry for that."He didn't meet my gaze, and then he stood."Would you like me to grab a book or something to read?I noticed you had a library of books packed in boxes in your living room."
"I haven't had a chance to put them on the shelves yet.It was more of a priority to stock the store."
"I can grab a few and put them on the nightstand.Just promise me that you'll eat a few bites of toast."
"As soon as I'm sure my stomach is going to accept the cracker and the water."I snuggled under the covers.
He nodded, then slipped out.
