Page 72 of Paging Dr. Breakup
He paused, as if he wanted to challenge her deflection, then answered. “Better. Lee has me out of work for another two weeks, but I can start back to non-exertional activities now. Then driving and light exertion in a few days. Woo-hoo.” He finished with a deprecating laugh. “It’s hard following instructions. I make a crappy patient. Do as I say, not as I do.”
“You’re not wrong.”
“Thanks.”
“So? Light exertion sounds like a win.”
His voice dropped down an octave. “I wouldn’t mind doing some light exertion with you.”
“Why are you whispering?”
“Because I’m a grown adult in his childhood bedroom, phone flirting with another grown adult. I’d put money on one or both parents listening from the other side of the door. This right here is why adult children and parents should not live with each other.”
Laughing, she said, “Ooh, I can imagine Bruce and Aggie with their ears pressed to the door.”
“Wouldn’t put it past them.” He cleared his throat. “But I don’t want to talk about my parents.” His words bordered on a sexy growl, and she liked it.
“Okay.” Her heart thudded. She rubbed her legs together. The pajamas had become way too warm. She threw back the blanket to cool off.
“So. Light exertion?”
Were they really having this conversation? Deirdre couldn’t remember the last time she had been truly flirtatious. It was fun. “Oh, but what about your brain?”
“Screw my brain. Literally.”
A big laugh erupted from her, and she slapped a hand over her mouth. “That’s hilarious!”
“You didn’t answer my question.” There was a rustle of sheets as he shifted. “When I’m medically released, would you be okay if I drove to your house and thanked you for saving my life?”
“Hmm,” she hedged, enjoying the teasing.
“I’d really like to show my appreciation. I’mveryappreciative.”
“Wow.” Her neck heated up. “Yes.”
He pressed. “What’s on your mind, Deirdre?”
“You called me.” For some reason, she couldn’t stop smiling.
Of course, he couldn’t see her expression.
“If you haven’t figured it out, I miss you.”
Running a finger over her lips, she said, “Can you be more specific?”
“Tough audience.” He breathed and it felt like he was right next to her. “I miss your smile. Your strength. Your brains. Your… body.”
“Well. It’s hard to argue with all of that.”
His chuckle echoed her tingling desire. “Speaking of hard.” He groaned. “Apparently, the head injury didn’t cause other organ damage.”
Unable to suppress a snort, she added, “It’s possible that the head injury has disinhibited you!”
“This is me, enjoying talking with you. Has nothing to do with any frontal lobe damage.” He laughed, then lowered his voice again. “I’d like to do more than talk.”
“Well, if we think that’s safe…”
“We’ll have to find out, won’t we?”
