Page 54 of Ties That Bind Us

“You’re right. But that can change in a split second,” I growled.

Alek held his hands up, chucking. “I’ll stay out of your way, Caponelli, you stay out of mine.”

He shut the door and the interaction was over as quickly as it had begun. I couldn’t say we knew much more about his motives, but at least he knew we were paying attention.

As soon as I got back in my car, I checked my phone to see a missed call and a text from Ava. Shit.

Heading home. I’ve got a headache and think I am going to lie down for a while. Call me from the airport.

Hearing her call my place home would never get old. I loved the way it sounded. If I rushed, I had just enough time to swing by the flower shop and then head home to see Ava before I needed to get to the airport.

Ava

I had been living with Nick for a few weeks now, and although it was strange at first, I was finally starting to feel comfortable there. Like it was my home too. Nick had gone out of his way to make it that way, but it was so different from what I was used to, it would just take time to adjust. My parents’ house was out in the middle of the suburbs with space and fresh air, whereas Nick’s penthouse was right in the middle of the city. We had all kinds of space, but most of the time I felt like I was staying in some high-priced hotel. Nick didn’t pay much attention to decoration or homey touches, and that was something I was slowly going to have to change. I loved coming home to him at the end of the day, though. We’d cook dinner together and have a glass of wine and tell each other about our day. It was so easy with Nick, like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and I wondered why I hadn’t made this decision sooner.

My mother did everything around our house, and my sisters and I helped her, but Nick had a housekeeper. Everything had its place, and no matter where I left it at night, it somehow found its way back there by morning. I’d get up in the morning and she would have the bed made before I was even out of the shower. When I tried to make it myself, she shooed me out of the room, assuring me it was part of her job. The only thing she didn’t do was cook, which at least gave me something to do so I didn’t feel completely useless. It felt nice to come home after a day of class and be able to make something for Nick. It would be quiet around here the next few days with Nick gone.

My head was throbbing when I got home that afternoon. I had been fighting off a migraine the last few days and it looked like I had finally lost the battle. I was ready to get some painkillers, take a nice hot bubble bath, and then curl up on the couch for the night. When I got inside, though, all I wanted to do was collapse on the couch.

“Ava?” Claire, Nick’s housekeeper smiled, startling me a little bit. I hadn’t realized anyone else was here. She was an older woman, and reminded me a lot of my grandmother.

“Hi, Claire.” I smiled, pushing through the pain in my head.

“How are you feeling? Nick told me you’re sick.”

Of course he had. I fought the urge to roll my eyes. He just had to have his hand in everything. “I’m okay, I’ve got a migraine. I think I just need to lie down for a little bit,” I assured her.

“Can I get you anything before I go?” she asked.

“No, thank you, though. I’m just fine. Have a good evening,” I said, not wanting her to worry about me. It was just a headache and Nick was acting like it was the end of the world. And he wasn’t even here.

“I know Nick will be away for a few days, please call me if you need anything at all,” she said, collecting her things and slipping her jacket on.

“I will,” I agreed, waving as she left. When she shut the door, I headed into the living room and snuggled into the couch. I found some sappy movie on Hallmark and closed my eyes. Maybe after a nap I would feel better.

When I woke up an hour later, I was a little disoriented. The TV was off, and I hadn’t remembered doing that before I fell asleep. I also had the distinct feeling that I wasn’t alone.

I propped myself up quickly, and thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. My head was throbbing, and now my entire body ached. Nick was sitting at the end of the couch. He was hacking away at his laptop and my feet were draped over his lap. I hadn’t seen him wear glasses before, but it was definitely a good look for him.

“You know you really should lock the front door when you’re here by yourself.” A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth but he didn’t look up. He must have felt me staring at him.

“So creepy men don’t sneak in and watch me sleep?” I teased, my voice sounding much hoarser than it had a few hours ago. My throat was much more painful too.

“Precisely.” He chuckled and shut the laptop, turning to face me. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine,” I insisted, sitting up a little bit more. The sudden move made my head feel like it was going to explode, and I winced.

“You want to try that again?” Nick reached for my hand. “You’re burning up. How’s your head? Be honest with me this time.”

“It hurts. A lot,” I conceded, repositioning myself on the couch so that I could snuggle into his chest.

He frowned, putting his arm around my shoulders and holding me tightly to him. “Why didn’t you tell me you were so sick? I thought it was just a little headache.”

“Why aren’t you in Miami?” I ignored his question.

“There is no way I am going to Miami when you’re sick like this. I came home to check on you before I left and you were burning up, so I canceled my trip.” He kissed my scalding-hot forehead.

“You didn’t need to do that.” I was secretly glad he had. I was already starting to feel better now that he was here.

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