“I do love you,” I say. “So damn much.”
He lets out a shaky laugh and presses his forehead against mine. “Thank God. You really know how to scare the hell out of a guy.”
I smile softly, my fingers brushing along his jaw, feeling the rough scuff of his beard. He didn’t shave when he was staying with me at the hospital, so it’s longer than usual.
I like it, though. It suits him.
“I love you too, blondie. I have for a long time.”
I shake my head. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
He shrugs, his brown eyes flickering away shyly. “I didn’t want to scare you off,” he admits. “I know I can be… intense. And that can be kind of a turnoff—”
“No,” I cut in, shaking my head. “It’s not a turnoff. I love your intensity, Troy. I love how passionate you are—about your job, about the people you love… about me.” I smile faintly. “It’s one of my favorite things about you.”
His eyes glisten for a moment before he quickly blinks it away. A crooked, slightly pained smile spreads across his lips, and he leans forward to press a quick kiss to my mouth.
“Thanks, baby.”
He carefully wraps an arm around me and eases us both back against the couch. I melt into him, finally letting my body relax. His warmth surrounds me, solid and comforting, all soft edges and plush cushion—perfect for snuggling.
My tiny, squishy man.
My own personal teddy bear.
His face nuzzles into my hair, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. When he inhales, he freezes immediately and clears his throat.
“You should probably take a shower,” he says casually.
I frown. “Are you telling me I stink?”
“Yes,” he deadpans.
My mouth drops open. “Wow.”
I stare at him in disbelief while he just sits there, completely unbothered.
“You’ve been in a hospital for four days,” he adds flatly.
“I had sponge baths!”
“Sponge baths only get you so clean.”
I try to cross my arms, but my ribs immediately protest, so the motion turns into an awkward half fold before I give up and settle for a wounded pout instead.
“Asshole.”
Troy snickers, leaning forward and pressing a quick kiss to my mouth, effectively kissing the pout right off my face. “It’s not your fault,” he says, tucking my greasy hair behind my ear. “Hospitals are gross.”
“Fine. I’ll shower, but I might need help washing my hair. My ribs hurt like a bitch if I try to lift my arm over my head.” I glance down at my lap, shame and embarrassment squeezing my chest. “Sorry.”
Troy immediately frowns. “What are you apologizing for?”
I bite the inside of my cheek, staring at the couch cushions. “It’s not exactly sexy, is it? Having a boyfriend who can’t even wash his own hair?”
His expression softens into something amused. “So let me get this straight,” he says slowly. “I get to see my sexy, soapy boyfriend naked and wet in the shower… and you think that’s somehow a problem for me?”
I roll my eyes so hard it almost hurts. “You’re unbelievable.”
