“I was kidding. Calm down.” He laughs. “You’re so easy to fluster.”Idiot.My face heats. Back to the reason I’m here. This man can’t even sit without swaying.
I step a bit closer. “I’ve got nothing planned today. I’m here. Let me help.”
Sawyer folds his arms across his chest, his jaw working as he thinks. Stubborn man. Finally he sighs, scrubbing his fingers through his hair. “Fine.”
He pushes himself up to stand then sways.
“And you thought you were going to work,” I mutter.
“Bite me.”
“Not in this state.” I smile, then stop when I realize the joke that slipped out. “Why uh... why don’t you go shower. I’ll make soup. Do you need groceries?”
He shakes his head. “I have plenty of things in the cabinets and fridge.”
“You want to lie on the couch or stay in bed?”
“Bed,” Sawyer mutters.
He shuffles off toward the bathroom, and I walk out to the closet I opened earlier where I noticed sheets, and I grab a fresh set. In his room, I strip the bed quickly then stretch the clean ones on.
When I walk into his living room, I notice a small alcove with a washer-dryer combo stacked on top of each other and throw his old sheets in. Then I go to his window, opening it up for some fresh air.
Sawyer appears in the doorway, unsteady on his feet. “Go shower. A hot one might help.”
His eyes lift to mine, and it’s like I forget how to drag air into my lungs. He blinks at me, his eyes wide, deep brown, and usually so bright. They’re a bit bruised with shadow now, but no less beautiful. He’s pale, his face a little sunken, but still...
Still fucking handsome.
“Um,” he murmurs.
“How about taking a bath?” I don’t know why I’m asking. I move toward him and past him.
“There are bath salts under the sink,” he calls after me. “For like, sickness and stuff.”
“I got it.” I walk into the clean bathroom and see a gray towel hanging on a rack. I twist the tap and wait for the water to warm before I flip the stopper. The quiet rush of water calms my racing thoughts.
What the fuck am I doing?
It’s like my arms just move and my mouth keeps running. I should set him up then leave. I don’t even know why I’m here.
I find the bag under the sink and peel it open, dumping a generous amount of salts into the tub, and I inhale the sharp minty smell.
My vision tunnels as I watch the water rush into the tub, and I try to clear my mind. No, this is good. I can look for the elephant while he’s in the tub. Maybe it’s in the kitchen. This is the perfect opportunity. That’s all.
“I can wait for the water to fill.”
I nearly slip in when I hear his voice.
I feel strange, off-kilter, like something inside me is shifting and I can’t explain it.
Sawyer stands in the doorway, still wearing those ridiculous black briefs. He’s leaning against the door frame like it’s the only thing holding him upright.
“You sure?”
“I think I’ll manage.” He gives me a tight smile. “I’ll yell if I need anything.”
He lifts off the frame and moves toward the tub. Steam curls over the top and he tests the water with his hand. “Right, well. If you need anything, I’ll be in the kitchen.” I walk to the door.
