Page 61 of Fool Me

“You’re being a pain in the ass again.”

“I’m trying to make sure you don’t overdo it. You could still have a head injury.”

I close the book, my finger keeping my place as I flash him an annoyed look.

He puts the last pan on the drying rack and wipes his hands on the towel. Then he’s crossing the kitchen and taking the spot next to me on the couch, holding out his hand for the book. “Let me help.”

“Considering I don’t have the energy to argue, knock yourself out.”

“It would be pointless, anyway.” His lips tip into a teasing smile. “How do you want to do this?”

“Why don’t you just tell me, since you seem to make all my decisions today.”

“Brat.” He opens the book to the page I had marked. “I’ll give you the option of me reading aloud or quizzing you.”

“So generous of you.”

“Careful, Clover, mood swings are a sign of neurological distress. Keep being uncharacteristically sassy, and I’ll take it as a sign of trouble.”

“This is who I am. Now that I trust you, you get to see my entire sparkling personality.”

He places a hand over his heart mockingly, but soft appreciation makes his amber eyes shine under the soft glow from the sunset outside. “Touched, truly. Shall I begin our lesson?”

“Yes, but I’d like you to do voices.”

He closes the text, looking from the cover to me. “It’s a reference book.”

“Your point? Make it interesting,” I demand feeling every bit of the brat he just accused me of being.

He reads in his normal voice and I lean against the back of the couch, listening to him talk about interagency coordination. After a minute or two, I clear my throat and Atlas changes his voice to something deeper, more serious, as he reads about a NPS jurisdiction where NPS lands border public land and the implication to rescue operations.

As he talks about leaving no trace, his voice becomes distant.

Next thing I know, I’m surrounded by strong warmth and the earthy scent of him as he climbs the stairs.

“You’re going to kill us both, Doc.” I keep my head tucked against his chest.

“Nah, already here, safe and sound,” he whispers while lowering me onto my bed and helping me under the covers.

“Impressive.”

“You’re tall, but I can handle you.”

The bed shifts as he moves to stand, but I reach out, curling my hand around his forearm. “Last chance to stay.” The words blend in my half-awake state.

“I’ll be right downstairs.”

I huff out a breath. “What’s a girl gotta do to get spooned around here?”

There’s that noise he keeps making that I can’t decipher. It’s a low rumbling, almost pained sound. “Not have a potential head injury when she asks, for starters. Rest. I’ll be up to check on you later.”

Atlas moves to leave again, but I tighten my grip. “Thanks for taking care of me today. You’re a good guy.”

Instead of pulling away like I expect when I release him, he leans forward and places a kiss on my forehead. “We took care of each other. Night, Clover.”

“Good night, Atlas.”

CHAPTER

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