Page 32 of Next to You

“You let me know if you need anything. Wake me up. I mean it.”

“’kay…”

I watched her until her breathing evened out, and she finally fell asleep again. Then, I climbed into bed next to her. One thing I could do for sure was make sure she stayed warm. I lined myself up along her back, close but not touching.

My dad always used to say that sometimes, just having someone stay close to you when you were out of sorts could make all the difference in the world.

Chapter 12

Lucy

My eyes fluttered open. The sun glowed through the window, and much to my relief, my migraine had simmered down to a dull ache.

I ran my hands into my hair, pressing my palms against my eyes lightly as I took a slow, deep breath.

I would be okay.

This was not an emergency room level migraine. It should fade away with some more Tylenol, a strong cup of coffee, and maybe more rest. At least, I hoped so.

What had now become a familiar warmth radiated from the space next to me, as if I had been cuddling up to a giant heating pad all night.

Spencer.

My heart swelled when I flashed back to last night and how he’d taken care of me.

“Mornin’,” his voice rumbled from his chest, deep and gravely, and his eyes were shadowed beneath as if he hadn’t gotten much sleep. “How are you feeling?”

“A little better. The medicine helped. But mostly, it was having you here with me. Thank you.”

“Of course. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

He reached for me, brushing the hair over my shoulder as he studied my face. The light touch of his hand sent a warming shiver through me, and I smiled.

“Yeah, so vomiting is always my favorite way to end a fun evening. I bet you weren’t expecting to wake up to that.”

For some reason, I didn't feel embarrassed. He’d been so efficient, matter of fact, and caring about everything he’d done for me. Never once had he been disgusted or grossed out about anything that happened, and it meant the world.

My headaches had been part of my life since I was a teenager, and they weren’t going away. There weren’t a lot of men who could handle it—at least none that I’d ever been with could. Something about him soothed me. He’d been a calming presence when I needed him the most and I would never forget it.

Low laughter rumbled next to me. “If you can joke around, then I guess I have to believe you’re really feeling a bit better.”

“There’s no more danger of throwing up,” I informed him. “I’m down to a normal human headache now.”

“That’s good. You had me worried.”

“I’m sorr—totally not sorry,” I joked to cover my constant need to apologize for myself.

“Nice catch. No apologies. Stay put. Close your eyes and rest. I’m still on duty.”

“What?”

“You’re not up to one hundred percent yet, so I’m taking care of you today. And before you even think of protesting—it’s non-negotiable.”

“Oh—okay. I could use more sleep.” I was not about to argue with him. If he wanted to take care of me, I would let him. “The sun woke me up. What time is it anyway?”

“Late. Almost noon. I’m going to grab you some more Tylenol, then you’re going back to sleep.”

“Yes, sir.” I was going for a humorous tone, but it came out like Marilyn again, soft and breathy.

---