Page 44 of Unraveled

Absolutely it was. Despite my fears of becoming too attached to Kellan, I couldn’t fathom not seeing him at all. “There’s an extra key in the bowl next to the door. It has a pink sparkly key fob.”

“Excellent. It’ll fit in with my Bedazzled truck key.”

I chuckled softly. “Thank you for dinner. Sorry I’m so sleepy.”

“You’re welcome. Now stop apologizing. You need the sleep because your body needs to heal. I’ll keep your key safe in the meantime.”

Funny how it made me feel good to know he had one. “You could come over tomorrow if you like.” Wasn’t as if I was great company, but having him here had meant a lot.

I saw it. The moment the indecision hit him. What had I been thinking? He had to work. We were supposed to be taking this slow. So much for baby steps. See? I was already becoming too needy. “You know, on second thought, wait till I tell you how I’m feeling.”

“Unfortunately, I have a late meeting tomorrow. I could come by after?”

“No, no. I’ll see you Saturday.” Or not. I kept the last two words to myself.

“How about Friday night? I could come over here and cook for you.”

“Sure. I’ll text you.” And I’d try not to push him away simply because I was already feeling as if I was becoming too reliant on his company.

“Sweet dreams.” He leaned down, kissing my forehead.

I was thankful that, after the sound of the front door clicking, I was too tired to overanalyze or get emotional. Instead, I happily succumbed to the world of numb.

Chapter Thirteen

Layla

My first thought upon waking the next morning was that I was in a normal bed. No hospital. The next thought was that my chest was sore. It was down to a dull ache compared to the acute pain I’d felt the first day, but it was still very uncomfortable. The drains didn’t help. After slowly getting out of bed, I walked into the bathroom and inspected my face in the vanity mirror. I was happy to see some of my color was returning. At least there was that.

Last night I’d actually felt pretty when Kellan had come through my front door and kissed me.

Kellan. Was there such a thing as a perfect man? I hadn’t thought so until I’d met him. He was a combination of sexy, sweet, and—good Lord, could he make me laugh. During the entire year of seeing Chad I’d never experienced the spark I had with Kellan.

Cue the warning light. I was in a state where my emotions were heightened all the way around. I had to be careful not to confuse myself regarding what I was feeling. It would be way too easy to fall for him. But doing so would make me completely vulnerable. I’d come to rely on him for my emotional well-being. And months from now, during which we wouldn’t be able to be physical, would he remain content with mere kisses? Hell, Chad had cheated on me even though we’d had a healthy sex life.

The thought of Kellan cheating left me sick to my stomach. But I tamped down that fear. I might not be able to control what the cancer did to my body, but I could control the idea that we were simply dating and getting to know one another better. I didn’t need his serious commitment.

I groaned when the text came from my mother telling me to call her. She wasn’t accepting my request to communicate solely via text while I recovered. Was it too much to ask? Evidently it was because the phone rang showing her number. Deciding to get it over with, I answered.

“Hello.” My voice sounded froggy.

“Oh, finally. I’ve been waiting for you to call.”

“I woke up five minutes ago.”

“I’d know that if I was there with you.”

Here we went again. I couldn’t have this same argument. “I’m hanging up now.”

“Wait. I’m sorry. I told myself I wouldn’t keep bringing it up, but obviously it’s still bothering me.”

I walked out to my kitchen, thirsty and already exhausted by my mother. The thought of her seeing me all a mess this morning did make me smile, though. She’d probably offer me lip gloss and try to comb my hair.

“Are you still there?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“I’m worried about you.”