Page 34 of Starlight Wishes

JEN

A SOFT CLACKINGsound woke me the next morning. As I came more awake, I realized I was wet with sweat, even though I was only clothed in a t-shirt and my underwear. I rolled over and saw that my window was open, and the Venetian blind was blowing gently across the sill, making the noise that woke me up.

Alarmed at first, I remembered how my head had started to ache on the drive home from Tyler’s house. I’d taken some Motrin and settled on my couch to rest. I had dozed off but awoke in even more pain. A migraine, and a bad one at that. I should have recognized the signs earlier, but it had come on much faster than normal. I managed to sit up despite the searing white pain that had taken over my head. I needed to get to the kitchen where I kept my migraine medicine. Every step had felt like a nail being drilled into my forehead. I managed to open the cabinet where I kept my medicine. As I reached for the packet a loud, sharp rap at the door startled me. Razor sharp pain sliced through the right side of my head. Instinctively, I drew my hand toward my head, accidently knocking some glasses out of the cabinet. The shattering noise and stress of the incident was too much. I clutched my head and fell to the floor, trying to control the nausea that threatened to come next.

It had seemed like a miracle when I heard Tyler’s voice and felt his gentle hands take care of me, nursing me through the bout of nausea and finding my stash of meds. I vaguely remembered him trying to make me more comfortable by taking off my shorts and saying he’d stay with me in case I needed more help. I wondered where he slept and if he was still here. I hoped he was so I could thank him, but I wouldn’t blame him in the slightest if he had left; it wasn’t anything I hadn’t done to him on more than one occasion.

I crawled out of bed, cleaned up in the bathroom and walked into the living room. I quickly covered my mouth to stifle a giggle when I saw the sight before me. Poor Tyler’s six foot plus length was hanging off the couch as he lay flopped on his stomach, arms and legs hanging over the sides and ends. He’d stripped off his shirt and was wearing only a pair of shorts. He couldn’t be comfortable there, but he seemed to be sleeping soundly at the moment, so I left him alone to make some coffee. Waking up to find Tyler sleeping on my couch threw me off a bit, so sticking to my normal routine gave me time to regroup. I was glad he was still there, but I could use the time to think about how to thank him without freaking out like I did yesterday.

Coffee brewed, I fixed a cup and curled up in an overstuffed chair close to the couch. Like my first morning waking up with him a couple weeks ago, I paused and stared at him. There was no denying he was beautiful. He was tall and lean, and his muscles were well defined, but not overpowering like a weight lifter, just a guy who knew how to take care of himself. Knowing he had a date last night, I had no idea why he had come over after my disastrous attempt at an apology.

“See something you like?” His sleepy words refocused my attention on his face. He sat up and ran a hand through his rumpled hair. He looked delicious.

“Yeah, I was just enjoying the little bit of little drool running out of your mouth.” He slapped a hand across his face. I giggled; revenge was sweet.

He paused and grinned, recognizing he’d been played. “Well done, Miss Mitchell.” He stared more intently at me. “I take it you’re feeling better this morning?”

“Maybe a little on edge, you know, like I’m waiting for the pain to come back. It’s normal, though. I call it a migraine hangover.”

“The caffeine in the coffee should help,” he said.

I went back to the kitchen and poured another cup of coffee. I sweetened it the way I knew he liked and took it to him. He was yawning while pulling his shirt on. “Here, maybe this will help you wake up.” I handed him the mug.

“Thanks.”

“I’m really grateful you were here last night. I haven’t had a migraine that bad in a long time.”

He picked up the throw pillows that had fallen to the floor and patted the space beside him. I sat, pulling my legs up in a position to hug them. I was a bit nervous, even while he seemed calm and relaxed. “Your headache is going to come back as hard as you’re thinking.” He pulled on my ponytail. “Whatever is running around inside your head, I promise it’s probably not as bad as you’re guessing.” He tugged my legs down. I tried for casual. “Why did you come over last night, Tyler?”

He grinned. “I was hungry.”

“You wanted me to feed you?” I asked in astonishment. “Didn’t you have a date last night?”

“Yes, I had a date, and no I didn’t expect you to feed me.”

I shook my head. “I’m confused, Tyler.”

“First honest thing you’ve said to me in a while, kitten.”

“Tyler, I–“

“Look, Jen. I wanted to finish the conversation you started yesterday. But frankly, it’s hot as hell in here.”

“Oh, yeah. The air conditioning is out. It should be fixed in a few days. I’ll manage.”

He stared at me for what felt like several seconds, causing me to squirm. “Yeah, regarding that, I know what you did, Jennifer.”

Confused, I crooked my eyebrow at him.

“I know that the management brought around a window unit and that you gave yours to Mrs. T. so she’d have two of them.”

Seemed Tyler had learned quite a bit last night while I was passed out in pain. Not wanting to make a big deal, I shrugged it off. “Oh. Well, heat is more dangerous at her age, and I figured I’m at work most of the day, so . . .”

He rested his hand on my leg. “Don’t blow it off, Jen. That was an extremely generous thing you did for her.” His thumb began to rub circles on my knee, making butterflies flit throughout my stomach. “But you can’t stay here. It’s way too hot. I could hardly sleep last night.”

“You didn’t have to stay here, Tyler. And I’ll be fine. It’s only for a few days.”

“Why don’t you stay with me? I have spare bedrooms just gathering dust. I promise I won’t bother you.”

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