Page 54 of Class Clown

He cleared his throat. “Ruby, sit up and take this medicine.” Ugh. His stupid Marine voice was back and that meant fun time was over.

I opened my eyes and shot him a look as I lifted my head and accepted the nasty spoonful. It burned when I swallowed, which made me cough, but I kept my mouth closed so it wouldn’t spray out, and that resulted in a loud snorting sound out of my nose.

“Today’s Monday,” I said when I could talk.

Nico had leaned back away from the bed and was rearranging my fluffy cloud comforter. “Yes.”

“I got sick on Saturday.”

“I know.” His hand moved to my shoulder and gave it a squeeze before he nudged me to lay back down. “And you were right when you said it wasn’t a simple head cold.”

“Tomorrow I’ll be better. I can’t be away from work for too long.” His gaze traveled over my features and then to my hair, and I groaned. “I haven’t showered for two days.”

“It’s possible,” he hedged.

I pointed at him. “Stop lying. I’ll bet you know how many bowel movements my stalker porcupine has every day. You’re observant, remember?”

His mouth twitched into a half smile. “I have no idea how many times Quinn poops every day.”

“But you do know how long it’s been since I was clean.”

“I’ve seen people a lot messier than you, Rubes. Don’t sweat it.”

“Ha. Ha. Ha. Don’t sweat it,” I replied sarcastically. “The sweatier I am, the more Quinn wants to take me home to his family.” I leaned over and coughed. “Maybe the cold medicine will dilute my pheromones and he’ll seek other prey.” At this he smiled and it made me feel instantly better. “You should smile more. It makes my insides feel carbonated.”

His smile grew and he stood. “Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah. And your hair looks good that way. The messiness makes you more human.”

We watched each other, both of us smiling, and I couldn’t get enough of his eyes. They were warm and gooey. Like he didn’t hate me and maybe never had.

“If I could, I’d eat your eyes,” I whispered.

His smile faded. “What?”

“Notlike a cannibal. Like a candy bar.”

He laughed. “I see the medicine is kicking in.”

“Did you know that even when it’s melted, chocolate is completely dry?”

“I didn’t know that.”

“It also releases endorphins in your system that make you happier.” I gazed up at the bottom of the bunk above me. “I think if a guy really wanted to win my heart all he’d have to do is bring me chocolate every day. Well, and maybe something with some fiber too. I don’t need to be fighting an upset stomach while I’m flirting.” I shifted to give him a look. “Hummus would do the trick.”

“Hummus?”

“Mm-hmm. Do you like it?”

“I do.”

“I think it counts as all the vegetables in one.”

He shook his head. “I don’t think hummus is a vegetable, love.”

Mmm. I liked it that he called me love. “Agree to disagree. You should know that as soon as I can, I’m getting into that bathroom to shower, and you can’t stop me.”

He stepped back until he was pushing the sheet wall sideways. “I’m not sure you’re up for a shower yet.”

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